Michigan Technological University Winter Carnival is a winter celebration that is held in Houghton, Michigan, every February. Michigan's upper peninsula receives a record amount of snow, and students take advantage of it by playing winter outdoor games and making snow statues. Students play broomball and participate in comedy skits, sleigh rides, a carnival's queen coronation, and other fun activities.
In 1922, the MTU students held the ice carnival for the first time. Many of the attendees were dressed in animal costumes since 'circus' was the theme. The Winter Carnival was organized on a large scale by Blue Key National Honor Society in 1934.
The most prominent feature of MTU Winter Carnival are dozens of colossal snow statues around campus and town. Blue Key National Honor Society chooses a new theme every year, and students compete for the best statue award. Some statues take up to a month to be built, while others are made over night. Many of them are monumental and quite impressive.
In addition to a plethora of winter sports, students participate in performing arts. Stage Revue competition is a tradition that dates back to 1946. To win the Winter Carnival trophy participants will be judged by acting quality, technical production, good taste, originality, theme, and entertainment value. Attendees can also vote for the Audience Choice winner. Free parking for Winter Carnival guests will be available at Lots 5 and 9 by the Rozsa and Lot 27 between the Administration Building and MUB.
