August 1, 2024, Press Release from Ohio Northern University: ADA, Ohio - Ohio Northern University will hold children’s auditions for its annual “Holiday Spectacular” musical extravaganza. Auditions for children between the ages of 5 and 12 will take place from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 in the Freed Center for The Performing Arts, 500 W. College Ave., Ada. Those auditioning should be ready to participate in a dance call (jazz and/or tap shoes). No prepared dance or vocal solos will be accepted.

The Kewpee Holiday Spectacular is back on the Civic Center stage this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The students have only three weeks to prepare for this annual show. But since the show was canceled last year due to the pandemic, the veteran performers have been helping those who are new to the show get the steps and songs down pat. The seniors are glad they are able to make some holiday magic one more time.

The university has announced that the Kewpee Holiday Spectacular has been canceled for this year, but they are looking forward to hosting the event in 2021 and beyond. They say the decision was regrettable but helps protect the performers and others involved with the production. The holiday show spotlights the talents of the ONU students and area children. 2019 was the 25th anniversary of the show and has been underwritten by Kewpee owners Harry and Myrna Shutt since it started in 1994.

The holidays wouldn't be the holidays without tradition and for the last quarter of a century, the Lima and Ada communities have found theirs thanks to the students at Ohio Northern University. It’s the holiday season and the students at Ohio Northern University have been hard at work getting the annual Holiday Spectacular ready for the stage. It’s short rehearsal window for the students, but the veteran performers know the drill. 

A regional holiday tradition is setting the stage once again.

Everybody has their favorite holiday traditions and for the Lima area, it is all about the Ohio Northern Holiday Spectacular.