Freshman View: Winter Carnival

Editor’s Note: Herein we present the perspectives of four freshmen on their first Winter Carnival at the College. 

Zachary Ditzel:

Like any other weekend, February 10-13 was a mix of studying, recreating, and trying to catch up on much-needed rest, the only difference being this weekend happened to be called “Winter Carnival.” Setting aside the upperclassmen’s suggestions to temper my expectations, I eagerly left the Choates on the first day of the Big Weekend, rushing over to Occom Pond to participate in the highly anticipated Polar Bear Plunge.

As I stepped onto the ice, the burning numb sensation that defined the long wait from the edge of the grass into the water quickly quenched my excitement for the event, despite the water being quite refreshing (until I considered what exactly was in the water into which I had just jumped).

Moving on from my swamp-water submersion, as Saturday rolled around, I decided to venture onto the Green to see the famed pirate-themed snow sculpture. Having seen images of huge works being built in the past, this year’s sculpture, while well constructed, seemed smaller than previous photos suggested. This sculpture’s stature, like many of the other events on campus, suffered from the lack of snowfall, which dampened the mood throughout the weekend.

As Winter Carnival came to an end, I realized once again that the upperclassmen were right: something that had apparently used to surpass Green Key and Homecoming was defeated by the changing campus climate.

Dalton Swenson:

Another tradition, another disappointment. The name Winter Carnival evokes fanciful imaginations of snow and delight. Where, I ask, was it? The only event worth partaking in, the Polar Bear Swim, was unfortunately scheduled during a class, and was thus out of my reach. The ice sculptures, which did not allure me personally but were nevertheless fruitful, were, I guess, the best part. (It is a slight miracle that none were victim to any Keystone-saturated passerby. It was admittedly tempting.) Other than that, what was worthwhile? 

It seems that most students used the weekend as a chance to frequent frat basements rather than organized events. That, of course, is more fun than “Parrot Origami @ The Hood.” 

I do not mean to bombard the event organizers with complaints, nor do I intend to demand lofty, extravagant festivities. It’s just that the hype and promotion of Winter Carnival are not commensurate with the experience. The expectation is that Winter Carnival is crucial to the Dartmouth adventure. The posters populating many a Fayerweather triple are timeless and popular. But it just felt like any other weekend. 

I am not losing hope, though. On to Green Key.

Jack P. Leiher

While Winter Carnival was once an event worthy of enthusiasm, with sizable snow statues and a carnival queen whose radiance would make the ice melt, today’s Carnival left hardly more than a pitiful pirate and an icy hole in store for the freshmen. That said, many managed to overcome these difficulties and find a little fun.

On Friday, a bender began and Keystone ran through the veins and brains of many a man. Somehow this debauchery was maintained until Monday morning, when stomachs began turning and students began mourning for Winter Carnival’s end. As there was not much more than a big yellow bus to remember, no one felt much regret for the tendency of alcohol to lead one to forget. Instead, all that was felt was the stark reality of classes starting—causing parties to be put to an end.

The weekend was like many others, filled with parties and time spent near fraternity brothers. While it certainly was not anything special, in my heart I still feel a tingle, but perhaps that’s the myocarditis.

T.S. Geisel

A mildly cold temperature, an unfitting pirate-theme, and pitifully few ice sculptures along Robinson Hall. There are two words to describe this year’s Winter Carnival: pathetic and lifeless. I remember watching video archives of Winter Carnival. In the past, Dartmouth students would actively  participate in its traditions. They would create marvelous snow sculptures, race with ice skates on Occom Pond, and joyfully sing traditional holiday songs together. At the start of the winter term, I was excited about the opportunity to experience the same kind of atmosphere from today’s Dartmouth community. 

However, I was met with great disappointment when I saw students’ lack of commitment and the bland “wintery” events. A handful of people carved several modest ice sculptures, while a few built one small snow pirate on the Green. Event activities were simply out of place: Parrot Origami, Pirate Training Camp, and Baker Library Tower Tours. Foco also had unbefitting pirate decorations to celebrate the festival. What did these have to do with winter? I could not understand how the event planners fathomed associating the Winter with pirates. Although some students skated on Occom Pond, there were not enough people to call the event a “carnival.” In fact, some students did not participate in any activity at all. Their explanation? “Work.”

The only event capturing the essence of Winter Carnival was the polar plunge. Many enthusiastic students lined up to jump into Occom at a freezing temperature. I, too, excitedly hopped in. Despite my momentary thrill, I began wondering if this was all the modern Winter Carnival amounted to. Where were the master snow-sculptors hibernating? Why did the event planners pick such an arbitrary theme? Where did the true Winter Carnival spirit go? As a freshman, I truly do not know, nor do I know if I will ever find out.