This year’s Winterfest built upon the Winter Carnival tradition, which goes back in KSC history farther than most of us can remember. Although much has changed with the winter celebration over the years, the school spirit and excitement over building a snow sculpture is still strong. Beginning in the 1920s as a “Mid-Year Dance,” this social activity has evolved into an even more meaningful event.

In the 1940s, the Winter Carnival Dance became something many students looked forward to. Part of the anticipation revolved around female students that their classmates nominated for Carnival Queen. Those women would doll up in their elegant gowns and head over to Meet Your Candidate Night, where they would have tea with the judges, who evaluated them on their personality, beauty, and answers to two questions—one humorous, one serious. The following night, the campus gathered in Spaulding Gym, now transformed into a winter wonderland with bright streamers and snowflake ornaments, for dancing, revelry, and the announcement of the year’s Carnival Queen.

The beautiful Carnival Queen is now a part of KSC history, but the tradition of winter celebration stays strong. Over 200 students, alumni, faculty, and staff turned out this year for snow tubing at Granite Gorge. Four teams competed in a snow creation contest. Instead of the Glee Club concert of old, 70–80 people filled the Night Owl Café to hear the Jeff Conley Band. Forty competitors came out for the Rail Jam and drew plenty of spectators, despite the rain and sleet.

Winterfest offered many former students an opportunity to come back and relive the fun on campus. The Alumni Association worked hard to keep the school spirit and memories alive. Many students, faculty members, and alumni left the weekend with rosy cheeks and warm memories. As the 1961 Kronicle reported, “another wonderful weekend is history!”

Big thanks go out to the volunteers and KSC Parents Association who pitched in to make the weekend such a success. We also thank Granite Gorge, Liberty Mutual, and the Night Owl for hosting the events.