Wisconsin Winter Carnival brings decades-old tradition back to Lake Mendota
By Nash Darragh
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MADISON, Wis. (WISC) — MADISON, Wis. — Students and Madison residents braved howling winds Friday afternoon to participate in the second day of the Wisconsin Winter Carnival at the UW Memorial Union, continuing a tradition that has drawn crowds to Lake Mendota for more than eight decades.
The annual event, now in its 86th year, offers dozens of winter activities despite frigid conditions. Participants tested their skills on a nine-hole hockey shooting course, learned ice fishing techniques and more.
“Winter carnival has been part of the Wisconsin Union since 1940, so about 86 years we’ve been bringing this tradition to downtown Madison,” said Shauna Breneman, the Wisconsin Union’s communication officer.
One of the carnival’s most recognizable features returned this year: an inflatable Lady Liberty head and torch that matches the scale of the actual Statue of Liberty-on-Liberty Island in New York City. The display has become an iconic symbol of the Memorial Union’s winter celebration.
“Lady Liberty began in 1979 as a prank.” Breneman said. “We brought it back in an inflatable version in 2019.”
The carnival continues Saturday with an expanded lineup of activities designed to celebrate Wisconsin’s winter culture. Organizers have planned more than 20 events for the final day.
“Tomorrow folks can enjoy more than 20 winter-themed events, everything from a chili cook-off to maple taffy making to carriage rides,” Breneman said.
The event consistently attracts a diverse crowd that includes current University of Wisconsin students, alumni and Madison community members. Many attendees return year after year to participate in the longstanding tradition.
“This is great and it brings back memories from when I was in Hoofers. We would do the rail jam — really great to be out here and see everything,” said Katrina Olson, a UW Madison Alumni.
The Wisconsin Winter Carnival serves as both a celebration of the state’s winter culture and a community gathering point that bridges generations of university affiliations. The event’s longevity demonstrates its importance to both the campus community and the broader Madison area.
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Samantha Calderonscalderon@wisctv.com(608) 277-5133