It is a fact that winter at UNB Saint John means frostbite, shovelling snow, perilous drives to and from campus, power outages, and embarrassingly slipping on ice in front of a group of people. But fear not, peers! The Student’s Representative Council (SRC) refuses to let the classic Canadian winter blues get you down. While the weather outside may be frightful, Frost Week is so delightful.
From Monday to Friday, the SRC are hosting a week of activities both on-campus and at other Saint John venues. With events including a performance by local comedian James Mullinger and the Two Year’s Eve bash, there is sure to be something for everyone this week.
“Frost Week is an opportunity to celebrate and actually enjoy winter with our classmates,” Jenna Evans, VP Social of the SRC explains. “We wanted to hold it early in the semester so that lots of people would be able to attend before classes make everybody too busy.”
On Monday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m., the week of events will begin with a movie night at Howler’s. The event is free and students will be given the opportunity to decorate cookies that they can snack on during a screening of New Year’s Eve.
The following evening, on January 10, students are invited to go ice skating at the Quispamsis Arts and Culture Park. The event will also include complimentary hot chocolate.
Evans assures that transportation to the Arts and Culture Park from campus will be provided. “SafeRide will be driving students,” she states. “If anyone needs a ride, come to the SRC office at 5:30 p.m.”
Evans also assures that extra skates will be available for students who do not own a pair, but she encourages those who do own skates to bring them.
On Wednesday, January 11, the SRC will be hosting Hot Cocoa with the President from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., where students are encouraged to come and get to know their SRC representatives.
“We want to introduce ourselves and show the students what services we provide,” Evans says. After a Q&A with the reps, attendees will be provided with treats and asked to take part in winter-themed crafts.
Frost Week’s major events take place in the second half of the week. On Thursday, there will be a comedy show featuring British-turned-local comedian James Mullinger. The event will take place at the UNB Grand Hall, located at 40 Charlotte Street, and doors open at 7:30 p.m. While the event is free, students interested in attending are required to register online for tickets.
Frost Week will go out with a bang on Friday, January 13, at the Two Year’s Eve bash. It will be hosted at the Lily Lake Pavilion from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and is the only event which students are asked to pay to attend. The cost is $10 for UNB students, and $15 for any guests that students want to bring. All guests must be 19+ years of age. Tickets can be purchased at the SRC office throughout the week.
“Two Year’s Eve is my favourite event,” Evans happily tells The Baron. “We all get to ring in the new year together as a school, and there are fireworks at midnight!”
She encourages all students to come to as many events as they possibly can, and to bring their friends. After all, winter doesn’t have to be horrible. It can be pretty darn fun, too!
