Bryce Parr
The Dunn County Historical Society is bringing back a longstanding University of Wisconsin–Stout tradition. Located at the The Russell J. Rassbach Heritage Museum, the organization is hosting a Snow Ball reminiscent of the classic Snow Daze Winter Carnival at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.
Starting in 1953 and held every year until 1984, students took part in discos, bowling tournaments, ski trips, and car races on Lake Menomin during the Snow Daze Winter Carnival. The carnival also held an election for Snow King and Queen with representatives from each hall, and UW–Stout Chancellor Bob “Oscar” Meyer was even crowned royalty alongside Mary “Lou” Rohrbach in 1978.
The carnival was the student community’s way of keeping energy high during Wisconsin’s cold winters. “The mood on campus was electric. By the time February rolled around, the campus was ready for an event that made a break from the doldrums of winter,” Meyer said.
Meyer and Rohrbach were RAs for HKMC. “HKMC had a long-running tradition of demonstrating the energy and spirit of being Stout Proud through its participation with Homecoming events and Snow Daze events,” Chancellor Meyer said. He claimed that Rohrbach carried them to success. “She was a class act,” he said.
Although this year’s Snow Ball won’t feature any campus events, the Thunderman, a rock band formed in 1959, will be headlining the night.
Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the party. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed attendee and the attendee with the best vintage outfit.
The evening event will also offer drawings, contests, souvenir boutonnieres, dance demonstrations and a vintage clothing exhibit.
“Not only will this be a great party, but it fits perfectly with our mission,” Museum Director Frank Smoot said in a press release. “What does a museum do? It shows people how we got here, and helps make the past come alive.”