Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival 2014 is underway with lots of snow for statues

By Marcia Goodrich, Michigan Tech Magazine Editor

Michigan Tech students build statues during the All-Nighter during Winter Carnival 2013. (Photo courtesy Michigan Tech University)

HOUGHTON -- This year's Michigan Tech Winter Carnival presents no shortage of snow for the construction material with more than 100 inches that have fallen this season. Mounds of the white stuff dot campus, more than enough for student organizations to build their signature statues of snow and ice, following the theme "Nostalgic Films of Childhood Days, Come to Life in Frosty Ways."

Last year's winner in the fraternity division, Phi Kappa Tau in Hancock, took first place with this giant snow structure and its icy details, inspired by "The Incredibles" animated movie. Fraternities and sororities have been working for a whole month on their creations this year, but have the advantage of more snow. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The All-Nighter kicks off at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, when students put in a final push on their statues before judging the following morning. Crowds of people wander through campus, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying music and camaraderie. Eventually, they drift home, leaving students to labor until the statue-building deadline, 8 a.m.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (Hamar House, Building 13 on campus) will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. During the All-Nighter, statue builders and friends are welcome to come in from the cold to warm up with free coffee and snacks.

On Thursday morning visitors will flock to campus to see the snowy dioramas. Among the entertainment offerings, sleigh rides begin at 9 a.m. and sled dog rides begin at 3 p.m., Feb. 6-8, near Douglass Houghton Hall.

Winter Carnival, sponsored by Blue Key, is about much more than statues, however.

Click here for a schedule of event highlights. You can also learn more at www.mtu.edu/carnival. Click here for a detailed schedule.

Parking during Winter Carnival and extended shuttle service

To accommodate the many visitors during Winter Carnival, Transportation Services will unlock the following lots at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5. This means you will be allowed to park in these designated areas without a permit:
Lot 9 (commuter lot by the Rozsa Center)
Lot 5 (graduate student lot by the Rozsa Center)
Lot 11 (near the Administration Building) Open at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7
Lot 27 (pay lot between the Administration Building and MUB)
Overnight parking: you may park in Lot 9, the commuter lot by the Rozsa Center

Lastly, there will be free parking at all metered spaces.

Transportation Services will also extend its operations during Winter Carnival. The shuttle will run from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The City of Houghton shuttle service will run its regular scheduled service.

For any questions or comments regarding Winter Carnival parking regulations or shuttle bus service, call Transportation Services at 487-1441 or Public Safety and Police Services at 487-2216.