BYU 150 Winter Fair expands student, volunteer activities

As part of Brigham Young University's 150th anniversary, a new winter fair took place on Feb. 3 in the Wilkinson Student Center Garden Court.

As soon as the Tuesday devotional was over, the doors of the Garden Court opened for students who were ready to explore different activities that BYU 150 organizers and volunteers prepared.

Alyssa Lyons, an event volunteer, described the prizes and atmosphere.

We want to introduce students this semester to BYU 150 events. We have giveaways, shirts, donuts, pins, stickers and booths that are doing 150 activities throughout the year, Lyons said. Theres also a sneak peek at the time capsule that was sealed 50 years ago and was recently opened.

The time capsule Lyons referenced was opened during the BYU 150 celebrations, according to Jeff McClellan, one of the capsules designers.

The capsule was made in 1976. It was opened a few months ago, McClellan said. (It) contains a whole bunch of different things, including an 1882 diploma, a flag and a frisbee from 1975. Its really cool to come see the history and to learn about what students were like 50 years ago.

McClellan also addressed whether a new time capsule will be in BYU's future.

We want to make a new time capsule; we are making the brainstorming process right now," McClellan said. "If people go to our website, 150.byu.edu, they can find a place under the time capsule to submit ideas.

The event was made possible by many volunteers who brought passion and heart to the effort, including Leah Kochenderser.

The idea is really just to participate in celebrating the fact that BYU has been around for 150 years and just help students have a good time, Kochenderser said. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and it may not feel significant because its happening right now, but 150 years is a big deal. Come and see the many awesome things that BYU wants to share with you.

Events will continue throughout the semester for BYU's sesquicentennial celebration. For more information on upcoming events, visit the website.