SD Mines brings Christmas cheer with annual Parade of Trees [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – For most college students, the week after Thanksgiving means finals, but for South Dakota Mines students it means it’s time for the Parade of Trees.

The 20th annual Parade of Trees kicked off on Wednesday with 19 campus organizations participating. Each tree is supposed to follow the theme which changes yearly and is voted on by students, faculty and staff. This year’s theme is the Nightmare Before Christmas.

While the Parade of Trees is meant to be a fun event for the students to enjoy leading up to finals, there is also a competition component as well.

Organizations could win awards such as the People’s Choice, Best Lighting or Best Theme Fit.

South Dakota Mines Student Engagement Coordinator Chris Pappas said there are some serious rivalries between groups that participate each year.

“The library and Society of Physics students have definite beef going on. Last …