Winter Wonderland was hosted by the Campus Activities Board and consisted of an afternoon filled with activities that celebrated Rochester’s freezing temperatures and abundance of snow. Activities were varied, each showcasing an advantage of the winter weather. Inside Wilson Commons, there was a hearty and filling dinner served in Hirst Lounge that was sure to leave one full for hours. Right outside of Wilson Commons was an ice sculpture of Rush Rhees Library and the UR mascot, the yellowjacket, which was created right before students’ eyes. Then there was a hot chocolate station located on the porch of Wilson Commons and right nearby a s’mores station. In addition, fire pits located strategically around the Eastman Quadrangle could be used for the much-needed warmth and for roasting marshmallows to a desirable golden brown. Also, situated on the Quad were Siberian huskies pulling sleds, and the dogs were also available for the students to play with. A more athletic activity was located in the May Room, which was transformed into an ice skating rink complete with hanging snowflakes and color lights circling the room.
The last event of Winter Wonderland was the horse-drawn carriages, which rode leisurely around the Quad. The activities of the afternoon were the perfect distraction from the fierce winds and cold temperatures of a Rochester winter.I have to say that after attending Winter Wonderland and sampling many warm drinks and s’mores, the carriage rides were my favorite event of the night. They added a special touch and made me feel as if I really were in a winter wonderland.
Another popular event was the Siberian huskies. CAB Winterfest Weekend event chair and sophomore Laura Zimmerman chose the huskies as her favorite event.
All in all, the long months of organizing, carrying supplies and running around in the cold in preparation for the weekend proved to be worthwhile. The hard work of CAB members and other students on campus paid off. According to Zimmerman, Winterfest went above and beyond what she had expected.
‘So many people from the campus community came out to partake in the different Winter Wonderland activities,” she said. ‘[Overall,] the general atmosphere on Saturday was so lively and it turned out to be a perfect winter day in Rochester.”
The celebration of the wintry months is certainly needed to survive the extended winter season in Rochester. To top off the night, those who were quick to get in line received dark blue fleece gloves with the signature yellow Rochester ‘R” on the front. It is without a doubt that these gloves will fight off the cold winter days to come.
Berkowitz is a member of the class of 2012.