Madison Reporter

UW–Madison hosted its annual Winter Carnival from February 6 to 9, drawing large crowds to Lake Mendota. The event featured activities such as skating, ice fishing, sledding, broomball, hockey, and a freestyle snowboard and ski show. Attendees also enjoyed walking on the ice and taking photos with a replica of the Statue of Liberty's head and torch. Fireworks concluded the festivities on February 8.

Xiaomeng Shen from UW–Madison captured the moment when "something about the presence of the Statue of Liberty draws people out on the ice of Lake Mendota to talk, explore and take selfies with her." Bryce Richter photographed students Yael Hahn and Abby Heltzer as they "tentatively skate on Lake Mendota."

The carnival included events like a snowboarder preparing to jump while "the crowd — and Lady Liberty — watch," as noted by Shen. Bryce Richter documented Kristen Kehl-Flowberg and Marta Flowberg skating near Memorial Union during an open skate event on February 8.

Richter also highlighted how "the torch of liberty lights up Lake Mendota" and captured a freestyle skier competing in the Rail Jam event. The fireworks display combined with "the Statue of Liberty, and a clear, cold Wisconsin night made it a Winter Carnival to remember," according to Richter.

Students participated in various activities such as the Red Bull Light the Lamp hockey/mini golf combo event. Broomball was another popular activity that got hearts pumping on the icy lake.

Althea Dotzour photographed students enjoying sunset colors while skating on frozen Lake Mendota on February 7. Graduate students Atisha Cyrill and Neha Chadaga attended their first Winter Carnival because Skate Night featured Taylor Swift's music.

Dotzour also captured moments like Landon Maphis preparing for hockey play with Dylan Hart, Elise Edwardsen spinning near Lady Liberty, Scarlet Mann and Callahan Mahoney making snow angels for their first time on a frozen lake, members of the Wisconsin Fishing Team teaching ice fishing skills, Maddie Noll using an ice fishing tip-up, and Karlee Buckwalter posing in front of Lady Liberty.