Winter Homecoming is back at Orchard Park! While it’s not the typical dance, the day will be full of winter fun.

“We’ve been working on trying to create the best experience we can within COVID and weather restrictions, and we’ve made this year’s hoco quite extravagant. Hopefully, it’ll be a good event for people and friends to meet up, catch up, and have fun at,” said Senior Class STAP Liaison, Charlie Nahabetian.

Orchard Park’s Winter Wonderland will be full of all types of fun activities. As always, there will also be a spirit week leading up to it! This year’s theme is fire and ice (Keep an eye out for hidden Snowmisers and Heatmisers on Tuesday, February 1! If you find one, bring it to room 163 for a prize!).

Monday is Pajama Day, and Tuesday is Tie Dye/Hippie Day. Wednesday is Fire Day, so wear your beach gear! Thursday is Ice Day, wear your winter/ski gear. Friday is Jersey Day.

Winter Wonderland takes place on Saturday, February 5, from 2:00-4:30. It will be on the Baker side of the school, on the soccer fields. This event is free! Just make sure to fill out the survey sent to your email if you plan to attend. It is rain or shine.

A House of Munch food truck will provide food and drinks. They serve fries, chicken fingers, fried dough, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Make sure to bring money. Smores and hot chocolate will be available by the fire pits, provided by the PTO.

Fun activities include lawn games like pick up football, kan jam, hockey on the tennis courts, and cornhole. There will be a snowman building contest! It will be judged by the Senior Class at 4:15. The winner will win a prize. Sledding will take place on the hill near the science wing. Bring your own sled, but there will be some to borrow for those who don’t have any.

Mr. Vanderwater will be hosting a nature walk as well. The first walk starts at 2:30 and will take around half an hour. If there are leftover snowshoes, they will be available for individual use.

One of the most anticipated events is the kickball tournament! You must sign up ahead of time with a full team of 10, or as an individual (you will be placed on a team). You can sign up by email by Thursday, February 3. There will be special guest umpires! Have fun and design team shirts!

Music will be played from a sound system in the Baker parking lot. Please follow the survey to request your favorite songs!

“I’m really excited, it sounds like a really good experience! Especially because it’s outside, it’s gonna make me feel safer with all the COVID stuff. It seems to have a lot of fun activities like snowshoeing and sledding,” said freshman Elizabeth Higgins. 

Although not our usual schedule, there are tons of activities to keep you busy this Winter Homecoming. Please make sure to dress warmly! Have fun and stay safe Orchard Park!