The Liberty County School System held its first-ever Holiday Extravaganza on Monday and Thursday at the Liberty County Performing Arts Center.

LCSS Chief Information Officer Dr. Patti Crane said that the festivities were split across two nights so every school would have a chance to showcase student performances.

“We’re fortunate to have so many wonderful schools,” she said, “so Monday night, we had a selection of elementary, middle and high, and (Thursday) we have the same amount.”

Liberty County Pre-K Center students kicked off the festivities at 6 p.m. both Monday and Thursday. Performances from other school groups took place in 15-minute intervals in the auditorium.

Students and parents who weren’t performing or observing performances milled about the PAC, which was abuzz with activity.

Liberty College and Career Academy associates operated Santa’s workshop in the center’s dining area. The workshop featured a teddy-bear clinic, holiday arts and crafts station, a corn-hole station operated by the welding department and a hot chocolate and cookie station, provided by the Career Academy’s culinary arts students.

A festival of trees also was on display, featuring a Christmas tree decorated by each LCSS school.

Participants also had the opportunity to meet and take photos with Santa Claus, played by LCCA CEO Tom Alexander, while Mrs. Claus, played by Button Gwinnett media specialist Tory Baker, read holiday stories in an adjacent room.

“We thought it would be a wonderful way to get our parents and students involved, and our staff and faculty,” Crane said. “It’s just a wonderful event to get everyone out, get them in the holiday spirit and just have a time to come together during this crazy, busy time.”

Crane noted that the school system hopes to continue this tradition in years to come.

“Hopefully, next year we’ll do it again,” she said. “We’re looking at maybe doing a spring event, because we’ve had such a good turnout.”