Preparations to transform the Old University Union into a winter wonderland this weekend are snowballing.

The Student Association will hold Binghamton University’s third annual Frost Fest from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the Old University Union. Newly appointed Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and his wife, Kathy Stenger, are planning to attend and spend time talking with students there, according to Gail Glover, spokeswoman for BU.

The theme for this year’s Frost Fest is “Winter in Paris.” Attractions will include a carousel located outside the Old Union, a Harry Potter broomstick ride, a Candy Cane Land, a build-a-bear station, ornament decoration, a snow globe photo booth, free massages, manicures, hair styling, caricatures and a visit from Santa Claus.

There will be free food available from on-campus and local providers, including Jazzman’s, Burger Mondays and Nezuntoz.

Several student a cappella groups and Explorchestra will perform in the Mandela Room. A number of students groups will also be tabling.

“Frost Fest is the perfect opportunity to introduce President Harvey to the students,” said Catherine Cornell, SA vice president for programming. “He’s a laid-back, easy-going guy and Frost Fest is the perfect environment to come up, say hi and ask him questions.”

Cornell said she thought it is a good sign that Stenger is taking steps already to get to know the student body.

“He’s already showing dedication to students by breaking the tradition of presidents staying locked away in the administration building,” Cornell said.

Cornell said each room will offer an addition to Frost Fest’s theme. Decorations will include fake snow, candy-themed lights, watercolor scenes of Paris and an ice sculpture of the Eiffel Tower.

“I’m so excited for the decorations,” Cornell said. “They go above and beyond any other year’s.”

Planning for Frost Fest began in July, according to Cornell.

Miranda Sanchez, a sophomore majoring in psychology, said she was particularly looking forward to the rides at Frost Fest.

“I was pissed when it started downpouring during Spring Fling and the rides closed,” Sanchez said. “Now that I hear there will be more rides at Frost Fest, I’m ecstatic.”

Julia Baschiera, a sophomore majoring in human development, said she will be tabling at Frost Fest for the Human Development Association.

“I’m excited to volunteer and to see Binghamton students come together to celebrate the winter season in such a festive manner,” Baschiera said.

Alyssa Costanzo, a sophomore majoring in psychology, went to Frost Fest last year and plans to attend again this year.

“I’m really excited to have a day to just hang out with my friends and just have a good time before we all start cramming for finals,” Costanzo said.

This year will also be the first Frost Fest for many, like Jared Silverstein, a freshman majoring in accounting.

“As a freshman, I’ve heard a lot of the buzz around campus surrounding the upcoming Frost Fest,” Silverstein said. “I’m excited to see what it’s all about.”

Cornell said that this year’s Frost Fest will have more to offer than in past years.

“One of my campaign goals was to expand Frost Fest to make it truly ‘Spring Fling,’ only colder,” Cornell said. “I think that us expanding out of the Old Union with more rides and more attractions really [will make] that happen.”

Not everyone was as plussed about the winter carnival.

“I went last year, it’s not as exciting as it sounds,” said Elizabeth Wallin, a junior double-majoring in economics and art history. “I was very disappointed.”