Editorial : Students can bring Winter Carnival back to former glory

In the ’50s and ’60s, Syracuse University held one of the most well-attended and popular winter events on any American college campus: the Winter Carnival.

The festivities occasionally attracted national media attention as hundreds of students participated in ice skating and hockey competitions, as well as formal dances reminiscent of high school prom. Though many of these types of events do not appeal to today’s student body, it’s too bad the Winter Carnival no longer pulls the student participation it once did.

For many of today’s students who aren’t aware that SU holds the Winter Carnival, events this year include a chili cook-off, human dog-sled races and a Big Sean concert. A concert will certainly grab students’ interest, but a few tweaks may allow the Winter Carnival to regain its former glory.

Carnival organizers can draw a bigger crowd by reaching out to big student organizations, perhaps roping in greek life and others that could snowball student participation. And in spite of student apathy toward a few well-intended events, charity work proves to rally SU students. Perhaps creating a central charity cause chosen by the students would draw a greater turnout, which is the case of the ever-popular Relay for Life.

Students should take advantage of the time, money and energy organizers put into these few days that celebrate the essence of Syracuse life — winter.