By Ladd J. Epp

The Bethel College Christmas tradition continues this year with the annual Christmas Fest celebration.

The theme this year falls into medieval times. The focus will be centered on the feast.

Arlo Kasper, drama instructor, is overseeing the entertainment. "There will be traditional processional entrances of main courses with an Old English feast and costumed characters."

Indeed, there will be numerous medieval characters to entertain the crowd. Douglas Penner, president of Bethel, and his wife, Raylene Hinz-Penner, associate for institutional advancement, will be "Lord and Lady of the House." Additionally, there will be a jester to interact with them and the crowd.

The planning committee, chaired by Gail Lutsch, art instructor, is trying as hard as possible to hold to a pure medieval theme. While there will be costumes, a flaming boar's head, and a stretching feast, some aspects of medieval times are not feasible to follow.

"We couldn't follow every medieval tradition," comments Lutsch. "For example, there will be silverware - something you wouldn't find in medieval times."

Additionally, a different student choir will sing every night - but the songs will not necessarily be from medieval England.

Expect Memorial Hall to be decked out with banners and many other types of festive decoration.

Enjoy the extravagance of this year's event - because Christmas Fest in years to come may not look the same, as Lutsch explains.

"With Arlo's retirement [after this academic year] it does seem like there is some movement afoot to examine the current setup and look at possibilities to simplify the event," said Lutsch.

Lutsch continued by stating that Kasper is generally the person who puts in the most hours into Christmas Fest and the College will therefore be loosing one of its main creative contributors to the event.

Simplification for years to come was not a decision based solely on Kasper's retirement. With student attendance down and busier schedules had by all, a change in this direction seems logical to the Bethel College Administration.

In response to the increased student cost this year, Lutsch comments that simplification of the event will be to the students' advantage.

"We are hoping that next year there will be no additional charge for boarding students."

Come out and enjoy the evening. This will perhaps be one of the best Christmas Fest celebrations yet.