Hesston College will host its 47th annual Thanksgiving Weekend celebration Nov. 27 to 29. The public is invited to attend several events that have become Hesston College traditions.

The weekend lineup includes activities for all ages, including a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a talent show, men’s and women’s basketball games, a two-mile run/walk and a luminary walk at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains.

Hesston’s Thanksgiving Weekend allows students’ families and prospective students a glimpse of the Hesston Experience and community.

Prospective students are welcome for a full campus visit weekend, including an academic and student life open house on Friday, Nov. 28, campus tour and spending the night in the dorms. Siblings of current students are especially invited to attend.

The annual Thanksgiving evening Masterworks concert will feature the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, Chorale and Chamber Orchestra for “A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols” at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 2,7 in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. The free concert is based on an early twentieth century tradition originating from King’s College in Cambridge, England. The “lessons” are scripture passages interspersed with carols that tell the Christmas story from prophesy to the advent of Christ.

Students, faculty and staff will display their talents through song, skits and video at a 9:30 p.m. talent show Nov. 27 at Hesston Mennonite Church. Admission is free.

Seasoned and casual runners and walkers can work off their Thanksgiving feasts during the 23rd annual Howard Hustle two-mile run/walk at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28. An early entry fee of $20 is being offered to registrants before Nov. 20. The fee after Nov. 20 is $25. Participants will receive long-sleeved tech shirts and a race number. Proceeds will be donated to the Hesston College Wellness Equipment Project. Individuals may donate a gift to the project without participating in the run. Medals will be given to overall and age group winners, and door prizes will be given to winners and participants as well. Registration information can be found online at hesston.edu/thanksgiving.

The college’s music ensembles will perform pieces from their fall repertoire in a 2 p.m. concert, Nov. 28 in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary.

Music and theatre students will also perform in a cabaret featuring musical theatre songs and monologues at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 28, in the Northlawn Studio Theatre. The performance is free, though seating is limited and audience members are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a seat.

Weekend guests are invited to the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains’ annual luminary walk from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Nov. 28 and 29.

The women’s and men’s basketball teams will host Tabor College JV (Hillsboro, Kan.) at 5 and 7 p.m. respectively, Nov. 28 and Northern Oklahoma College-Enid at 2 and 4 p.m. Nov. 29. The games are sponsored by Mid-America Youth Basketball (MAYB).

A complete weekend schedule and registration information can be found here or by calling the Special Events office at 866-437-7866 or the Admissions Office at 800-995-2757.