Although he is in the midst of a week-long media tour across Kansas, Ed Hammond was back in Hays Tuesday night in time for Fort Hays State University’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony

The university president first offered season’s greetings to the crowd of students, faculty and community members.

After the Christmas lights were turned on in front of Sheridan Hal,  President Hammond led the crowd in chanting for that special visitor from the North Pole.

The FHSU Dickenson Carolers entertained the crowd with Christmas music, and all the children got to visit with Santa inside the Dreiling Lobby where they enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies.