This past weekend, winter came to Binghamton University.
The University held its fifth annual Frost Fest on Sunday afternoon, and hundreds of students came to listen to music, eat free food and enjoy an assortment of activities.
This year’s Frost Fest theme was “Game of Thrones,” and the themed activities included jousting and a photo op on the Iron Throne from “Game of Thrones.” There was also a “Game of Thrones”-style ice sculpture.
“I stared at the sculpture for two hours,” said Allie Wong, an undeclared sophomore, who worked the jousting booth next to the ice sculpture.
According to Justine Teu, an HBO College representative and a junior double-majoring in history and English, the festivals board of the Student Association Programming Board picked the theme and then contacted HBO College, which provided some branded giveaways like plastic Solo cups, laundry bags, posters from TV shows and DVD box sets. HBO College also rented out the show’s signature iron throne so Binghamton University could pose as kings for a day.
For the first time, Frost Fest featured a laser tag course, which was set up in the Old University Union by students using blow-up obstacles and garbage cans.
Students battled against each other in teams of five.
“Laser tag was literally the most fun thing ever,” said Sara Netz, a senior majoring in biochemistry. “Also, I’m a really big ‘Game of Thrones’ fan so it’s all pretty cool.”
Frost Fest included performances from the Binghamton Hoop Troop, No Strings Attached, Chanbara, Liberty Belle and the Union Boys, Bing Stand Up, ProjectDCX, Explorchestra, Cabbage, Harpur Vocal Jazz, Collection Romantic Autumn and The Setbacks.
“There are a ton of acts so it’s a lot of fun to work this event,” said Matthew Rucker, a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, who was in charge of the festival’s sound system and electronics. “Also, I got a free spiedie.”
The free catering featured spiedie’s sandwiches from Lupo’s, samosas from Moghul, fruits and soup from Maines, cheese and crackers from Whole in the Wall and 1,000 cupcakes in a variety of flavors from Jarets Stuffed Cupcakes.
“I must have had two chicken spiedies and three snow cones,” said Sophia Degtyar, a freshman double-majoring in studio art and computer science.
According to staff working the event, most students were excited about the “Game of Thrones” theme and knew a lot about the show.
More than 30 student organizations tabled and fundraised at the event, including Scholars for Soldiers, which sends care packages and other supplies to Marines in Afghanistan. Students paid a dollar to shoot a ping-pong ball into a cup of water.
“Even if you miss you still get a fish,” said John Hassler, a sophomore majoring in finance.