DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University’s beloved Cookie Party tradition is spreading beyond campus this year, thanks to a new collaboration with the Oakwood Business District Association. As Millikin prepares to host its 92nd Annual Cookie Party on Wednesday, Dec. 10, local Oakwood-area businesses are welcoming students, families and community members with festive treats, special offers and holiday cheer.
The partnership marks an exciting expansion of one of Millikin’s longest-running traditions. Beginning at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, participating Oakwood businesses will offer cookies, beverages and seasonal specials, inviting the community to stroll the neighborhood and enjoy the warm, welcoming spirit of the season.
“We’re proud to partner with the Oakwood Business Association to extend Millikin’s long-held Cookie Party tradition into the surrounding neighborhood,” said Pam Mueller, Millikin Director of Development – Corporate Relations. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to revitalizing the Oakland and Wood Street corridors and strengthening connections between the University, local businesses, and our community. We invite everyone to visit participating businesses on December 10 and be part of this exciting first step.”
The businesses that are participating include:
- Fleet Feet – Cookies and beverages, 2–6 p.m.
- Head West Sub Stop – Cookies beginning at 2 p.m.
- HomeGrown Collective – Cookies and beverages, 2–6 p.m.
- Lock Stock & Barrel – Cookies beginning at 2 p.m.; pizza and drink special.
- Main Place Hair Salon – Cookies and beverages, 2–5 p.m.
- Oakwood Tattoo – Cookies and beverages, 2–7 p.m.
- SkyCity GRILL – Cookies from 4–10 p.m.
- University Dogs – Cookies from 2–7:30 p.m.
- The Winery – Cookies beginning at 2 p.m.; specialty burger and drink combo
The business district’s involvement aims to make the Cookie Party a true neighborhood-wide celebration and strengthen ties between Millikin and the Oakwood community.
Millikin’s on-campus festivities, open to students and members of the Millikin community, will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2–4 p.m., in the University Commons Banquet Rooms. Entertainment will be provided by Millikin student ensembles, including:
- Millikin Clarinet Quartet
- Flute Ensemble
- Jazz Combo
- Dissonance A Cappella
The history of the Cookie Party dates back to December 1934, when the first Christmas Tea was held in the browsing room of Gorin Library, now Gorin Hall. Hosted by the Millikin Dames, an organization for women on Millikin's staff and the wives of faculty members and trustees, the cost of this first tea was $2.
The Christmas Tea, an annual holiday event honoring Millikin students, was held in the Gorin Library until 1960. The original teas were rather formal events using silver tea services and members of the Millikin Dames as servers.
In 1960, the tea was moved to the University Center, and in 1964, the Christmas Tea was renamed the Cookie Party. The Cookie Party was held in the Richards Treat University Center since its opening and is now held in the University Commons.
