Subzero temperatures and snow are in the forecast for the second year of the Winter Weekend revival effort coordinated by Bowdoin Student Government (BSG). Last year marked the first official Winter Weekend event since 2009, when a small-scale attempt was made to bring back the Bowdoin tradition that dated back to the 1920s. Only a few changes will be made to last year’s schedule.
Last year’s event—held in mid-February—was widely praised by students who seemed satisfied with the opportunity to relieve cabin fever and academic stress. Some found this release while pitted against their peers in a game of broomball, others while riding an elegant horse drawn carriage across the Quad. This year’s Winter Weekend comes a few weeks earlier in the academic calendar. BSG President Sarah Nelson attributed the scheduling change to the logistical ease of planning the events over winter break, as well as the many home sports games that were already on the athletic calendar.
John Hobbs ’15 said that he is looking forward to this coming weekend, though he heard about this year’s event only recently.
“I enjoyed Winter Weekend. I liked the broomball at Reed...normal Saturdays people just do whatever they usually do,” said Hobbs.
In addition to the events from last year, this year’s entertainment will include two new activities, including last night’s hypnotist Dan Lornitis.
“The SAFC allotted them money to bring a novelty act this year, and this is who they chose,” said Nelson.
According to Nelson, the Alcohol Team (A-Team) will also be spearheading a new late-night option this Friday: broomball, free skate, hot cocoa, and snacks at Sidney J. Watson arena. This event will begin at 10 p.m., leaving plenty of time to clean up the ice after the men’s hockey team plays its game against Middlebury, with proceeds supporting the Wounded Warriors Project.
“I’m excited for the nighttime broomball, that sounds awesome,” said Aeron Westeinde ’16.
If other students share this same kind of excitement heading into the weekend, competition should be fierce both on the ice at Reed and Watson and in the snow at Macmillan House and Quinby House gearing up for the years annual Cold War party.
The College House clash this year will include a snow sculpture contest, with the two teams of each constructing a sculpture in either Macmillan or Quinby’s yard.
At night the rivalry will continue with the classic battle of the Houses over which party is better attended. This annual, jointly-hosted party will feature performances by student bands the Circus and the DFP.
The timing of this year’s Winter Weekend, however, has caused some some extra safety concerns, but Director of Safety and Security Randy Nichols says that he and his staff will be ready.
“This is combining Winter Weekend with the first weekend back, so there’s a perfect storm aspect of it, perhaps, but we’ll be prepared for it from a security perspective. We’ll put some additional officers on duty,” said Nichols.