Michigan Technological University often registers more than 200 inches of snow in a typical winter season. Not content to let this abundant natural resource go to waste, students band together in an annual celebration of the beautiful, tough, exhilarating and character-building climate. Winter Carnival began in 1922 as the Ice Carnival, which was a one day event. It was so popular that students made it an annual event, and Winter Carnival as we know it began to take shape. It was suspended in 1930, in the aftermath of the stock market crash, but in 1934, Blue Key Honor Fraternity resurrected the event. Then, 1936 brought the biggest change, one that would become Carnival's best known tradition: snow statues. Since then, the statues have become famous for their size, detail, and design as building methods (and secrets) have been passed from year to year. During World War II, Winter Carnival was again suspended. It took off again in 1946, when the Stage Revue was added, with fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations presenting skits for the enjoyment of the crowd and the performers alike. Other popular Winter Carnival events include the Queen coronation, beard competition, broomball, torchlight parade and various winter sport contests.