By Amanda Carswell

The term Mardi Gras usually conjures up images of bare-breasted girls-gone-wild covered in cheap, plastic beads. For Northeastern students, it may even bring back memories of last year’s protests of Springfest’s cancelation.

However, Tuesday night in Stetson West, the old Louisiana tradition was upheld with the carefree attitude for which it is known.

President Richard Freeland served up Mardi Gras spirit in the form of crepes and jazz at his annual Mardi Gras Breakfast.

Students were met with beads, masks and the excitement of the debauchery-filled Southern party.

“It’s really crowded here, but it’s like Bourbon Street,” Deb Fantasia, who runs Dining Services marketing and managing, called over the large crowds of participants.

From 10 p.m. to midnight, students were given the choice of a wide variety of food to dine on, including traditional Mardi Gras staples such as pralines and crepes, along with more standard breakfast food such as bacon, eggs and cereal. The food was cooked and served by the dining staff, who were decked out in Mardi Gras colors, masks and beads.

With Northeastern staff roaming through the crowds handing out party favors, balloons in large bunches in every corner and brightly colored Mardi Gras jokers everywhere, the vibrant atmosphere had an effect on students.

“The atmosphere — it’s kind of fun,” said Rich Mackay, a freshman psychology major. “I was in a bad mood coming over, but now I’m upbeat.”

The event is organized as a way for students to enjoy a night of food and festivites with peers.

“Kids work hard, a lot of homework, a lot of late nights,” President Freeland said. “We think every once and a while, it’s nice just to kick back. It’s mostly about having a good time together.”

Many students said they agreed with Freeland, and the event is a great way to form a community on campus.

“It’s nice to get everyone together,” said Paula Ballentine, a junior political science major. “It’s not just freshmen. I’m a junior and a bunch of my friends came. It’s hard to get them to come to student functions.”

Stetson West was packed, with a line out the door throughout the night. The large turnout was a surpise to some students who had never attended an event like this before.

“I thought it was going to be like 20 freshmen standing around,” said Rachel Raczka, a freshman journalism major.

A jazz band performed traditional New Orleans favorites throughout the night, keeping the party jumping as students participated in a variety of games.

“I did this last year and I thought it was really fun,” said Janet Cho, a sophomore communications major, and winner of one of the evening’s events. “I think it was a big step up from last year.”

Winners of the games were given $100, along with T-shirts and other small prizes.

“I think there should be more stuff like this,” Mackay said. “Stuff to do, memories to have.”