This year’s FebFest will feature something that few in recent years have had -- snow! Hamilton’s annual winter carnival, FebFest, will take place on Feb. 12-19 on campus. Many events are free and others require a $5 button that can be purchased in Beinecke or at each event.
Whether your idea of winter fun is playing in the massive quantities of flakes or sitting inside in front of a cozy fire, this year’s FebFest has something for everyone. Some FebFest highlights follow. View the entire schedule here.
On Saturday, Feb. 12, celebrate the beginning of FebFest with an outdoor extravaganza in the snow at the Glen House at 2 p.m. Then warm yourself up by the bonfire with banana boats and hot chocolate.
Sunday’s events include the intramural snoccer tournament. Games will be held throughout the day around campus. At 3 p.m. an a cappella concert will feature Special K, The Hamiltones and Tumbling After at the Fillius Events Barn.
A Valentine’s Day highlight is a chocolate tasting with professor of Biology Ernest Williams (buttons required) at 4:30 p.m. in the Sadove Center, first floor. That evening an illuminated Glen Walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Glen House.
Tuesday’s main event will involve putting the snow to good use with an all day Snowman / Snow Sculpture Contest. Prizes will be awarded for the best classic, the most creative, and the biggest. After the Tolles Lecture by playwright Naomi Wallace at 7 p.m. in the Chapel, wander over to the figure skating exhibition and free skate at the Sage Rink from 8:30-11:30 p.m.
On Wednesday at 2 p.m. the Babbitt Pavilion Outdoor Skating Rink will be the site of a friendly Broomball competition. Later, at 7 p.m., the annual Banff Film Festival will take place at the Bradford Auditorium (KJ). Tickets are $8 for students. The evening will culminate with the Mr. Hamilton Contest at the Tolles Pavilion at 8:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit One Heart with Africa.
Friday, Feb. 18, FebFest events include fireworks at Royce Baseball Field at 7:30 p.m. Then the fun goes inside with glow racing (A glow in the dark light show and human powered go-karts) at the Tolles Pavilion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The always popular annual Chili Cookoff will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 1 p.m. in the Little Pub. Email lmagnare@hamilton.edu to participate. Or stop by to sample and vote for your favorite recipe. (Button required).
Hamilton's first winter carnival was held in 1938, with events such as a hockey game, dance parties, crowning of the carnival queen and a figure skating exhibition by James and Grace Madden of the U.S. Olympic Team. The tradition continued with similar events until the mid-'50s, when it lost popularity. The winter carnival returned to the Hill in 2000 through the efforts of students and Student Activities staff.
