It was a far different scene than the Mirror Lake jump just a few weeks ago. Instead of swimsuits and pool toys, students lined the lake wearing jackets, gloves and hats. There was no jumping — just singing.
Drinking hot chocolate and Starbucks coffee to keep warm, students and staff lined the lake Thursday for the annual Light Up the Lake ceremony. After a group rendition of “Carmen Ohio,” thousands of white lights lit up to illuminate the lake.
And then the rain began.
The night began with hot drinks, while Brutus Buckeye mingled and joined the crowd for photos. Browning Amphitheater filled to the brim as the men’s and women’s glee clubs performed.
Two campus organizations contribute money that help pay for the ceremony. Both USG and the Council on Student Affairs help fund the activities, and the event is sponsored by Ohio Staters, Inc.
“I think it went well,” said Ohio Staters Co-chair Adam Rapien. “I think the attendance improved from last year.”
Rapien said there were about 35,000 lights strung around Mirror Lake this year. Less than half are energy-efficient LED lights, but the hope for next year is to create an entirely LED display.
There were an estimated 400 people at the event.
Meghan Gannon, a third-year in political science, has attended other Light Up the Lake ceremonies in the past.
“I love all the music, the lights and everything. It’s a great way to end the quarter,” she said.
Her friend, third-year business student Chris Schwork, had never seen the display before.
“The coffee’s a nice touch,” he said.
