In keeping with this winter’s weather pattern of snow/no snow, the 2013 FebFest theme was “Meltdown.” The annual winter tradition took place Feb. 9-16 with events that included a CAB Acoustic Coffeehouse featuring Josh Ritter, CAB Comedy with Michael Ian Black, the 20th annual Chili Cookoff and the popular Mr. Hamilton contest.
A raucous full house erupted into applause as the Mr. Hamilton contestants showed off their talents in song, dance and acrobatic feats. Felipe Garcia ’14, Mr. Student Assembly, was crowned grand champion. First runner-up was Nico Keller Sarmiento ’13, Mr. Hamiltones, and second runner-up was Dyllon Young ’15, Mr. HEAT. Proceeds from sales of Mr. Hamilton t-shirts supported Operation Smile.
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.
