The annual Mardi Gras Ball continued its legacy and lively crowd in the SUB ballrooms this year.

People holding up their dresses and dancing bare foot were tell-tale signs of the eventful night organized by the Student Government Association.

Sarthak Neupane, an SGA senator, said the ball witnessed almost all of the campus’s demographics from Greek life to the international students.

“Mardi Gras Ball is a very fun event that brings together students from all walks of life. People get a chance to dance, relax and look forward to the break that immediately follows,” said Neupane, a mathematics junior.

The night began with the introduction of the newly elected Mardi Gras court and their traditional first dance. Soon after, students flooded the dance floor and danced to a variety of songs, even international ones.

Sophomore computer science major, Rohan Maharjan, said the inclusion of international songs in the playlist made international students feel more involved in campus events.

Maharjan was one of the three Mardi Gras Beaus. It was his first time attending the annual ball.
Students were allowed to bring up to two dates with a valid I.D., which was appreciated by attendees like ULM alumna Cody Robinson.

“I like the way the university participated to keep the tradition of Mardi Gras alive. This is a great festival that enriches Louisiana’s native rich heritage, and I am grateful the university is honoring its roots,” Robinson said.

According to Robinson, the festivity helped unite various campus organizations.

For graduating senior Chelsea Stephens, the ball was a must-attend, since it was her last one at ULM.
“It was amazing. The DJ played many songs I knew, so it was easy for me to pick up the beat and dance,” Stephens said.

“I thought it was going to be a wild environment with all the drinking, but it wasn’t as I was expecting. The environment was very calm, and the event was well organized,” she said.

The decorations, for the most part, were similar to last year’s, with ornate gates and a Mardi Gras themed arch. Students enjoyed free food, a cash bar and more than three different types of King cake.

Attendees could also take pictures at the on-site photo booth.