Nothing made UVA students happier this week than the official email cancelling in-person classes on Monday night. The weather had been extremely unpredictable for a couple of weeks, switching from being warm enough to don dresses back to necessitating puffer jackets and gloves. As whispers of a fast-approaching snow storm spread around Grounds, so did talk for a potential snow day. Even though many upperclassmen had informed others that UVA cancelling school was a very rare occurrence, hope remained as high as ever due to the impressive forecast. At first the weather app forecasted six inches of snow and then amped the prediction up to eight to ten inches, an optimistically high number that was sure to warrant a much-needed snow day.
It was there at the Blue Ridge Center, sitting at The Jefferson Independent weekly Monday meeting, that we collectively received the long-awaited email: there would be no in-person classes on Tuesday! Instantly the mood was brightened, people talked about how grateful they were to have the day off, and plans were made to hit the snooze button and blissfully sleep in. Amongst the many thanks for the cancellation were rumors of the famous snowball fight happening as well.
The snowball fight on the Lawn is one of the first unique things about UVA that I was told. UVA is a school of many old and valued traditions, including, but not limited to, specific lingo, secret societies, and the great snowball fight. During summer orientation, my orientation leader enthusiastically spoke about how on the first big winter storm, students gather at midnight on the Lawn to celebrate by pelting each other with snowballs.
While there was no such possibility of this beloved tradition happening last semester due to a lack of snow, the amount that fell on the ground on Tuesday was deemed worthy enough for a redo of the previous first attempt, which had happened several weeks ago. Shortly after winter break, there was an effort made to organize the snowball fight. However, the snow by then had turned more icy than the ideal powdery texture, making those who braved the cold temperatures prone to being hit with more ice rather than actual snow. Many people were steered away by the unfavorability of the snow and smaller turnout of the first attempt, so Tuesday’s fight held much higher expectations than the other turnout.
Waking up on Tuesday felt like waking up on Christmas morning with the delivery of the promised snowfall. By the time I logged off of my morning Zoom class, Grounds was already starting to transform into a winter wonderland, nearly identical to a scene on a snowy postcard. The snow started to stick to the roads and sidewalks, and it showed no sign of stopping anytime soon. Despite the attempts to effectively utilize the extra time to get schoolwork done, students fell into the spirit of the snow day and snowmen could be seen on Observatory Hill alongside hastily-made homemade sleds.
Later, as the minutes ticked toward the snowball fight, I quickly scrambled to submit a last-minute assignment due at midnight. As soon as the Canvas confetti confirmation popped up, affirming that I was finally free at last, I bundled up warmly and headed for the Lawn. I joined the hordes of others walking with intent to participate in the snowball fight. The cold was sharp and biting, but the palpable anticipation kept energy high.
Upon arrival, we lingered around until time got close. Then, groups separated and gathered into lines on the two sides of the Lawn. A collective countdown to midnight ensued, and it became a free-for-all. Right away, chunks of snow started flying through the air from every which way. As the fight went on, several daring yet brave souls took the chance to partake in yet another quintessential UVA tradition: streaking the Lawn. On the steps of the Rotunda, the streakers faced the freezing temperatures and took off running through the fight. Despite becoming immediate targets for those wielding snowballs, the streakers faced the barrage and powered through. Not long thereafter, any remaining stragglers of the fight were quickly dispersed by police cars arriving on the lawn. Even though this drew an unexpected end to the night, many had already departed, tired from the intensity and excitement. Students walked back to dorms tired yet satisfied with being part of such a beloved tradition.
The day after the fight, anybody who was not able to make the trek to the Lawn got a glimpse into what it was like last night. Photos showed the incredible turnout and videos captured the intense action. Social media was flooded with evidence of the madness that had occurred the night before, such as this video that shows the cameraman being a direct target and this one of the action unfolding.
This year’s snowball fight was a moment of collective joy and a well-deserved break from the normal routine. The unexpected snow day felt like a gift, and everybody revelled in the rare opportunity of cancelled classes and being able to have a real, all-out snowball fight. It was a reminder of how the UVA community can come together and embrace a shared experience to make lasting memories.
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