

Kiara Ortiz


It's Time to "Level Up" with this Year's Winter Carnival!
Created in 1910, Winter Carnival is a beloved Dartmouth tradition intended to celebrate the beautiful winter season. This year was no different in emulating the glorious history that trails this event. Creatively accommodating the virtual nature of our reality, this year's theme was...drumroll, please...Level Up: Carnival Rebooted! Instead of a typical weekend, our carnival was extended and everyone in Hanover and at home was able to participate in events over two weeks!
Common events of the Carnival include the dog sled race, ice sculpture contest, and discounted ski trips! First up is the dog sled race. This race is held on the Green (which was covered in white snow through the entirety of winter term) and involves two brave participants: one to sit on a sled and one to fervently pull them across the pathway. Next up, we have

But do not worry, even if you are not a "snow person," there were countless activities to enjoy. With the theme focused on gaming, Collis, a common space for students, hosted some arcade games (featuring PAC-MAN) for two nights in a row! Additionally, we had the opportunity to rent out Nintendo Switches to play some Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and Mario Party 10 (which I won twice in, might I add)! There was even a sprinkle of art appreciation as we participated in an outdoor escape room that focused on exploring the art pieces around Campus! Lastly, my friends and I enjoyed what was a true spectacle at BEMA (Big Empty Meeting Area). The trees and the snowy landscape were

If you have read any of my previous blog posts, you would know that one of the main reasons I chose Dartmouth was because of the quirky traditions that create a profound sense of community. Winter Carnival is one of these traditions, and I'll cherish the memories for a long time.

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