November 21, 2025
Twinkling lights, holiday music, and a flurry of artificial snow greeted thousands on the Poplarville campus Thursday as Pearl River Community College hosted its ninth Wildcat Wonderland. Hundreds capped off the evening with the spirited Holiday Pops concert at the Ethel Brownstone Center for the Arts.
The campus transformed into a magical holiday wonderland, complete with a dusting of snow. Every corner of campus offered something special during this free, community-centered celebration. The Spirit of the River Band helped kick off the festivities with a short set of holiday music near the library.
Amid sparkling decorations and festive lights, the PRCC Baptist Student Union brought the Nativity to life, with students portraying familiar roles alongside a donkey. Nearby, a petting zoo delighted visitors with a camel and several small animals for kids to enjoy. Many took time to take a photo with the camel or enjoy a pony ride around Centennial Green.
The whimsical town of Who-Ville was a favorite among children, featuring photo opportunities with the Grinch and the Mayor. Inside White Hall, cosmetology students helped children get into the holiday spirit with Who-Ville hairstyles and holiday-themed face painting.
Mrs. Claus greeted thousands of children in the cafeteria, where they decorated sugar cookies while sipping on hot cocoa distributed by members of the women’s basketball team. Miss Pearl River County 2026 Laura Smith mingled with those decorating their cookies and finding photo ops around Crosby Hall. By the Post Office, children could write and mail their letters to Santa.
Children prepared reindeer food for Christmas Eve under the guidance of Recruitment River Navigators, while PRCC Baseball and Softball team members hosted several games. The library joined in with cornhole games with reindeer antlers as a reward, Rudolph face painting, and a photo op with Rudolph.
Inside nearby Seal Hall, guests admired Lego Land displays and participated in activities including spinning the Dreidel and building their own Lego masterpieces.
Under illuminated trees, Enrollment Offices kept the fun going with cotton candy, popcorn, and games, while guests snapped photos with Buddy the Elf, Barbie and Ken, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf as well as Mickey Mouse. The ever-popular train ride was back, whisking guests on a light-filled tour around the front of campus. Attendees could also visit the PRCC Museum for a glimpse into PRCC’s history while listening to past holiday concert performances.
Lindsay Shorba of Poplarville came with her boys, Gavin and Drake, for Wildcat Wonderland and the Holiday Pops Concert. They enjoy the annual event, with extended family members also joining in the fun.
“I enjoy that it’s just such a family event at no cost for everybody to come,” said Shorba. “It’s very well organized with lots of interactive things for my boys to do.”
Shorba is an alumna who was a member of the band under the direction of Dr. Kyle Hill.
“It amazes me how much the campus has changed over the years,” said Shorba. “I was a band student here, so I love the band concerts. We come every chance we can.”
The Coca-Cola truck, featuring a holiday design, sat across from Brownstone Center. Entering the Brownstone lobby, guests were greeted by a pastel Candyland-themed display with holiday musical performances and the opportunity to see Santa Claus. Miss PRCC Faith Wascomb served as Santa’s special helper for the evening.
Community members were given the opportunity to give back through a food drive for The Market on campus. Staff members from Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home also joined in the spirit of giving by hosting a toy drive while distributing hot chocolate.
Sponsorships from Paw Paw’s Campers & Cars, PearlComm Fiber powered by Pearl River Valley Electric, Pearl River County Hospital, and Coca-Cola helped make the evening possible.
Holiday Pops Concert
Ending the evening on a high note, groups from the Fine Arts Department performed beloved holiday songs to ring in the season. Community members of all ages, along with many PRCC students, packed the Brownstone Center for the Arts to enjoy an hour of dancing and music.
The concert showcased the incredible talents of PRCC’s vocal groups, including the female ensemble The Currents, the male ensemble “The Boy-ces”, and the premier a cappella group The Voices. Upbeat music came from the Jazz Cats, while The String of Pearls dazzled with their choreographed dance performances.
The PRCC Singers added to the festive atmosphere by having audience members join them in singing “A Christmas Serenade” medley.
The students performing were excited to showcase their talents to the community and fellow students. Freshmen Matti Roberts of Hattiesburg and Riley Saxton of Brooklyn are altos in the PRCC Singers. They enjoyed performing and listening to the other groups.
“My favorite piece of the evening is ‘Winter Song’ performed by The Voices with members of the String of Pearls dancing,” said Saxton.
Roberts favored the JazzCats’ performances. “Honestly, the jazz band is really cool and really good. Also, we have a friend in it who has a solo that we enjoy hearing.”
Upcoming Events
One more holiday-focused event is scheduled on the Poplarville campus. The South Mississippi Ballet will once again take to the stage in the Brownstone Center to perform the beloved ballet, “The Nutcracker.”
Performances are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 with discounts available for groups of 11 or more. Purchase assigned seats at prcc.edu/brownstone/upcoming-events/ or at the door one hour prior to the performance.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Laura O’Neill and Cullin Rogers.
