The Michigan Tech community has many different traditions and events each year, including Homecoming Week in the fall semester and Winter Carnival in the spring. Prior to Homecoming Week, the first tradition that students have the opportunity to participate in during the school year is called Keweenaw Day.
Keweenaw Day (otherwise known as K-Day) will take place on Friday, Sep. 6. K-Day is always held on the Friday of the week of Labor Day, which usually ends up being during the second week of classes. During the day, classes will be in recess after 12 p.m. There are many different activities to participate in during K-day, as well as participating student groups to learn more about. Groups ranging from Greek life to athletics and recreational activities (fishing, photography, crafts, etc.) will all be present to inform students about how they can join.
While other events may be held elsewhere, the main event is held at the Chassell Centennial Park just south of Houghton. Shuttles will be provided, and will run out of Cliff Drive by the Rozsa Center starting at 11:30 a.m. and going until all students return. Local food vendors will be set up at the park, providing free food and beverages. For entertainment, The Huskies Pep Band will be present, and an inflatable obstacle course will be set up alongside various other booths with activities for students.
K-Day has been a tradition at Michigan Tech since 1951, back when the school was still named the Michigan College of Mining and Technology. According to a Michigan Tech archives blog post by Allison Neely, “Dr. Charles San Clemente suggested to the Faculty Association in the spring of 1951 that the college consider a campus community-wide picnic to bring students, faculty, and staff together before the rush of mid semester.” The first K-Day took place on Oct. 9 at Fort Wilkins State Park, which is located further north in the Keweenaw Peninsula, near Copper Harbor. The event was later moved to McLain State Park in 1976, to be closer to campus. It was at this time that more activities were incorporated, including inflatable games such as the obstacle course we see today.
For more information on the K-Day tradition, check out: https://tinyurl.com/27kdua22. Or if you want to read about its history, check out: https://tinyurl.com/yc2ekthz.
