Despite the devastation New Orleans suffered from Hurricane Katrina six months ago, the spirit of Mardi Gras was strong at a carnival held in the Student Union on Wednesday. The events and food were free of charge, but donations were collected to aid post-Katrina relief efforts.
Carnival activities included ring toss, beanbag toss, and dice games; for students looking to join in on the traditional Fat Tuesday costuming, mask painting was also available.
"I heard about the event on UB's Web site," said passerby Sarah Wall, a sophomore management major. "I live on campus, so I come here to socialize."
But within the celebratory mood, some Christian students felt event organizers should have better considered those celebrating Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning Lent.
"I'm not even really supposed to eat today, so something healthy like apples would have been nice," said Tiffany Dabek, a freshman biomedical sciences major. "It's cool they have something for Mardi Gras, but today is Ash Wednesday."
The carnival was still, though, a good way to break up the monotony of school, Dabek said.
"It gives you something to look forward to," she said.
Being the iconic symbol of Fat Tuesday today's celebrations in New Orleans, bead necklaces were given out in exchange for donations for hurricane relief efforts in Louisiana.
Money collected from the event will likely go to the American Red Cross, according to Missy Stolfi, a graduate student and a member of Student Affairs Administration.
"I think the beads really capture the spirit of Mardi Gras," Stolfi said.
The music booming from the speakers above the buzz of conversation and laughter also contributed to the Mardi Gras atmosphere.
Wall was one of many who took delight in the mask-painting table. The elaborate creations reflected the spirit of the holiday, creating body art garnished with feathers, glitter and bright colors.
"They should do this kind of thing more often," said Jessica Fisher, a senior chemistry major. "Like, they always have the tables here, but they're just trying to solicit people for their own organizations. It's cool to have something for us to just enjoy."
Another customary part of Mardi Gras celebrations, free fried dough, popcorn and cotton candy contented hungry carnival-goers; many students were as happy with the prices as with the selection.
"I came for the free stuff," Wall said. "I'm a poor college student. If I see anything with the word 'free,' I'm there."
While the free food was certainly appreciated, some like Dabek thought other selections should have been offered in light of Ash Wednesday.
Dabek said she believed an event should have been held on the actual day of Mardi Gras, or a more religious celebration should have taken place on Ash Wednesday.
"They should have done this yesterday, or do something more for Ash Wednesday today, something for Roman Catholics," she said.
According to Stolfi, Student Affairs only had the Student Union reserved on Wednesday for activities such as the carnival.
"They do recognize Ash Wednesday," said Jenn Wantz, assistant director of Student Life. "They have mass twice upstairs today, and we respect that and shut off the music for it. But there should also be something for people who don't believe in it."
Wantz said events like these are especially good for people who commute.
"It's a de-stressor. People can come relax and have fun. Students who commute have breaks in between classes, so it's something they can enjoy while they're just hanging out," Wantz said.
The event was funded by Student Life and was coordinated through the Student Programming Board, according to Stolfi. Traditionally, Fat Tuesday is considered a day to finish off any leftover sweets and edible indulgences before the beginning of the Christian season of Lent.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
