Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter takes 2nd place in Winter Carnival 2021 Men’s Month long statue division! This year’s theme was “Our Favorite Cartoons For Snowy Afternoons” organized by the Michigan Technological University Blue Key National Honor Society. This years elected statue chair was Colin Fleming (606), a fourth year Mechanical Engineering Major, from the metro Detroit area.

In the times of COVID, statue season became very different on how we operated. Site operations were limited to 25 members within the working area at one time, wearing masks at all times, and socially distancing as much as possible. These policies were set in place by Michigan Technological University to make sure students, participants, and observers had a safe and excellent time. Weather in the Keweenaw was not in favor of the fraternity as the first week of statue in January had seen highs between 40-50 degrees with rain. Clean snow retrieval was limited as natures finest U.P. snow was non existent except a few couple inches. Lucky during the second week of the season Houghton received around 20 inches of snow which was rationed throughout the rest of the season. Compared to last year (2020) snow accumulation in the Keweenaw is down 52% from 140 inches to 66 inches as of February 2021.

Winter Carnival all nighter brought its own challenges as the high temperatures (31 degrees) made ironing and detail work time consuming to practically impossible. To combat this issue the fraternity took it upon themselves to work three long days and nights to get all the detail down and brace for the warmer weather ahead. Even with all theses challenges public support was at a all time high with lots of encouragement during all nighter. Our statue title reflects this years prevail: “Amidst COVID Strife Looney Toons Come To Life.” Presented by Tau Kappa Epsilon – Mu Lambda Chapter.

The scene is pictured as follows: In this frozen scene, our favorite Looney Tunes characters are hanging out on the couch watching Sunday morning cartoons. Bugs Bunny is shown talking his way out of the sights of Elmer Fudd. Wile E Coyote lights an ACME rocket to try and best the speedy roadrunner. Swirling out of one screen is Taz, the ferocious Tasmanian Devil. On another screen, sticking to the protection of his cage is a nervous Tweet Bird. More photos and new coverage can be found below: