UTM experienced a night full of metallic beads and outrageously flamboyant costumes in a crowd more than eager to celebrate Mardi Gras in the most festive way possible.
O n February 12, the Blind Duck Pub was transformed to host the UTM Mardi Gras Pub night, which saw a better turn-out than expected. UTMSU and the UTM Residence Council collaborated to organize the party just before reading week, all in the purpose of getting students into the spirit of traditional spring break parties.
It was two years ago when a similar theme was produced by UTMSU in the hopes of uplifting the spirits of UTM bookworms and influencing them to party laced with a little Louisiana spice. Approximately 250 students attended the bash this year, a turnout considerably bigger than two years ago.
This year, UTMSU VP Campus Life Johnny Ho and Kristian Jurlewicz, President of UTM Residence Council, combined their time and effort in producing one of the better pub engagements of the school year.
We feel the regular pub nights do not contribute much to student life on campus, and Mardi Gras is right before reading week, Jurlewicz explained. We want to enrich the student experience.
The affair began with some pyroentertainment, which included a bout of fiery sword spinning right outside the pub next to the line-up of attendees. Inside, go-go dancers were propped on two corners near the stage, dancing in glittering skirts and sliding up and down an invisible pole. This went well alongside two masked peacocks busting a move on stage.
- Pyro performers outside the Blind Duck Pub. photo/Lara Matiisen
We know what Mardi Gras is about and we wanted to try to bring it to our fellow students, Ho said during the party. This is a party to relieve stress and to forget about studying for a night.
The pub was under parental guidance, however, with no explicit language or Mardi Gras traditional extremes. It was ultimately a night with mostly awkward dancing and light drinking, all within a comforting atmosphere. The trend of Mardi Gras Pub Nights is set to continue at UTM. Lets see if next years bash will top last weeks proceedings.
