As part of Homecoming 2026 celebrations, GCSU hosted a Snow Extravaganza on Feb. 18 from 12 to 4 p.m. on Front Campus.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Ignite the Thunder: The Bobcat Games, the event transformed front campus into a winter wonderland with open ice skating, a hot chocolate bar, a snow-themed photo booth, falling snow effects and a bracelet-making table.
“When we decided to go with our Winter Olympics theme, we felt like we needed to bring some winter vibes to this week,” said Dr. Jennifer Graham, GCSU’s interim dean of students. “We wanted to bring lots of fun out for students today so they could experience a snow day without all of the mess that a real snow can bring.”
Despite 70-degree weather, the university partnered with vendors to install a faux ice-rink and falling snow effects, creating a convincing winter atmosphere. According to Graham, this year’s Homecoming committee has been planning events since October to make a memorable experience for students.
“I look back on my own homecoming experiences and homecoming experiences as a staff member, and I think those are opportunities for us to just be together out here on campus,” Graham said. “That ability to be in community together and make memories and have fun with friends, I think that’s just a piece of what creates some of those core memories of our college experiences.”
Students enjoyed both the sunshine and the snow as they took photos, sipped hot chocolate from Morning Grind and skated on the miniature rink set up next to the Magnolia Ballroom across from Front Campus. Jane Walsmey, a junior English major, said she especially enjoyed making bracelets with her friends and noted that Homecoming represents community.
“I think it’s just Georgia College coming together as a community,” Walmsley said. “I believe that we have a lot more to offer than other colleges in terms of community and being there for each other, and I think Homecoming is a great way to showcase that.”
Many students said they were pleasantly surprised by the number of activities and were glad to spend time outdoors with their friends.
“I didn’t even know the bracelet-making was going to be here and I’m having so much fun,” said Mary Piper, a sophomore political science major.
Free GCSU Homecoming t-shirts were distributed at the event, and Thunder was on hand to take photos with students while sporting his own Homecoming t-shirt.
“I finally got the shirt because I missed the event on Monday, they’re so cute,” said Piper. “People love free stuff, and Thunder. I love Thunder!”
As part of the ongoing GCSU Bobcat Games, a skating challenge was held from 2 to 3 p.m. on the ice rink. Inspired by Olympic speed skating, the competition welcomed students of all experience levels to simply sign a waiver and lace up their skates.
Walmsley said interactive events like the Snow Extravaganza are a great way for students to engage with each other and build Homecoming spirit in anticipation of the upcoming events and basketball games.
“People love joining in on pretty much anything, especially if it’s got community with people, with music, with food,” Walmsley said. “I think it’s just a great way to get to know people and to get people excited about homecoming on Saturday.”
For Graham, the event was not only about bringing winter fun to campus but also giving students a moment to pause and enjoy themselves during a busy academic season.
“I hope that they’re just taking away this moment of fun,” Graham said. “We really just wanted today to be a day where folks could, even if it was just five minutes in between classes, come and have a moment of pause, a moment where they could just laugh and be with friends.”