Celebrate winter during Hoofers carnival

Last weekend’s freakishly warm weather was just a teaser of spring — winter is still the main course, and there’s no better way to chill than at the Hoofers Winter Carnival with outdoor games, sports, contests and demonstrations. And make sure your camera has fresh batteries: Lady Liberty will make her triumphant return to Lake Mendota.

Events are planned for Thursday, Feb. 12–Saturday, Feb. 21. Most carnival events take place on Lake Mendota, with the exception of ski outings and a ski and snowboard rail jam competition on Bascom Hill.

Here is the lineup of activities:

Thursday, Feb. 12

Watch the Statue of Liberty being assembled on Lake Mendota off the Memorial Union lakefront.

That evening, catch the premiere of “Anomaly,” a different kind of film on skiing and snowboarding. It features the crazy athleticism of those pushing the boundaries of the sports in locations around the world. Wisconsin Union Theater, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14

Nothing says romance like moonlight and wet socks. Why not? A Valentine’s moonlight Ice Age trail hike or cross country ski outing are planned (weather permitting) from 7–10 p.m. For more information, contact Ben Laurent.

Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard Area near Mount Horeb is offering free skiing and discounted equipment rentals for university students, faculty, staff and Union members from 9 p.m.–midnight. For more information, contact Ricky Frommgen, 262-1630.

Sunday, Feb. 15

Satisfy your competitive drive at the Winter Games, but remember to keep it fun, people. Activities include a broomball tournament, frozen bowling, a snow sculpture contest and snow croquet. Teams of six-eight may sign up at wintercarnivalgames09@gmail.com. Lake Mendota, Memorial Union, noon-4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Plaid is not just for dressy occasions; wear a plaid shirt all day to show your Hoofer solidarity.

Saturday, Feb. 21

New this year is the Bascom Hill Rail Jam Ski and Snowboard Competition. Registration on Saturday costs $15 and begins at 9:30 a.m.; a $10 early registration can be completed at Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club.The competition takes place from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, contact Matt Hartig, 262-1630.

Explore the exciting sport of snow kiting — people strap on a snowboard, attach themselves to a kite/sail device and catch the wind. Kiteriders will present snow kiting demonstrations and free snow kite lessons on Lake Mendota from noon-4 p.m., weather permitting.

The Hoofers Winter Carnival is sponsored by the Wisconsin Hoofers and the Wisconsin Union Directorate and is intended for UW-Madison students, faculty, staff, Hoofers and Union members and guests.Outdoor events are weather dependent.

For more information on the carnival, contact event chair Bridget Maniaci, 516-3488, or visit Wisconsin Hoofers.