NASC Winter Carnival
Each winter, in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, North Adams State College students had the opportunity to participate in the exciting Winter Carnival. Rather than letting the winter months bring activities to a halt and prevent people from being active and involved, the students and faculty came up with a way to bring everyone together and foster great campus spirit.
Text
The Winter Carnival for 1983 was held from February 22-26, 1983. The purpose of this event was to ensure that as many students as possible became involved in activities. Volleyball, indoor soccer, and "snow soccer" were among the activities students could participate in. The use of the winter season for some activities, and the students' enthusiasm for being active and participating in the event, demonstrate the creativity in making the most of this time of year.
Much of the excitement came from the activities held at night. These allowed students to unwind and socialize. Among the most popular activities were the scavenger hunt, which lasted all night, and the pajama party, where students could socialize in their pajamas. The other major event during the Winter Carnival was the Snowball Dance, which featured a king and queen. Around 625 students attended the Snowball Dance, underscoring the Winter Carnival's significance in their lives.
The Winter Carnival was also organized and planned through extensive behind-the-scenes work. Student committees, with the help of the Student Government Association, organized the event. The committees were responsible for all activities, including the execution of the events. The role of the chairpersons and committee members in organizing the event was also quite important. The events were advertised through several channels, including posters, mail, local radio stations such as WJJW, and articles in The Beacon.
Over the years, Winter Carnival grew and developed, incorporating more activities (ice cream contests, sleigh rides, etc.). Some of the events attracted large numbers of students. For example, over 150 students showed up for ice skating. They also learned to have contingency plans for unpredictable winter weather by creating space for outdoor events to be held indoors, ensuring that all events ran smoothly regardless of the weather.
In the early 1990s, Winter Carnival still offered opportunities to have some fun, with the same emphasis on bringing students together and getting involved, creating memories during the winter season through Winter Wonderland and Winter Fest, among other activities. Even though the activities change over the years, the purpose of the events remains the same, bringing the students together and creating memories during the winter season.
The student experience at North Adams State College also included Winter Carnival, not just as a series of events but also to build a student community and foster cohesion among students during this time of year. It gave students the opportunity to turn what most people consider a bad time of year into a good one. Winter Carnival became a tradition that highlighted the campus's innovative spirit, exuberance, and cohesiveness.
Files
"Do it in the Snow" pamphlet for Winter Carnival
This advertisement for the 1989 Winter Carnival, with its “Do it in the Snow” slogan, captures the true meaning of the event by inviting students to enjoy the winter season rather than trying to get away from it. This shows how this event gave the winter season a new meaning. | Source: Courtesy of MCLA Freel Library.
Students playing “Snoccer."
The students participate in “Snoccer,” the winter version of soccer played in the snow, during Winter Carnival Week. This and other activities show students embracing the season and turning cold weather into something positive and fun. By transforming traditional games into winter versions, such as “Snoccer,” the students reinvented the cold season as an opportunity for energy and connectivity. Such moments illustrate how the Winter Carnival promoted involvement and fostered a robust sense of community despite the harsh conditions. | Source: The Beacon, Thursday, February 21st, 1985, Vol. 22, No. 3, pg. 1.
Student feedback and comments on Winter Carnival week.
<p>Student feedback posted in <em>The Beacon</em> provides insight into how Winter Carnival was celebrated, and individual responses indicate that, despite its widespread celebration, different experiences were evident. Responses to weather conditions and participation show that the success of Winter Carnival depended not only on planning and execution but also on weather and participation.</p> | Source: The Beacon, Thursday, March 1st, 1984, Vol. 20, No. 4, pg. 6
Article about the Success of the Carnival.
As the week drew to a close, newspapers like The Beacon captured the excitement and success of the Winter Carnival, demonstrating its importance beyond individual events. By recording participation and traditions, the articles show how the Winter Carnival became an important piece of the university’s history. | Source: The Beacon, Thursday, March 1st, 1984, Vol. 20, No. 4, pg. 5.
The Pub Advertisement.
Outside of these events, Winter Carnival was also felt in other spaces, such as the student pub, where students could enjoy themed nights and live music. Advertisements such as this demonstrate how the celebration brought together official events and unofficial student life to create an all-encompassing atmosphere. | Source: The Beacon, Thursday, February 23rd, 1984, Vol. 20, No. 3, pg. 4.
Schedule of Winter Carnival events.
This schedule from the 1983 Winter Carnival demonstrates the array of activities available throughout the week, from “Snoccer” on Taconic Lawn to late-night movies and comedy performances. The organization of the schedule, while offering a range of activities, demonstrates how the events were designed to foster a sense of community and competition, helping create a season of engagement. | Source: The Beacon, Thursday, February 16th, 1984, Vol. 20, No. 2, pg. 11.