Saint Mary's will bring Mardi Gras to South Bend's Palais Royale for its annual All School Formal Saturday, as students and their guests celebrate the theme "A Night in New Orleans."
Approximately 800 tickets for the event, which will take place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., were sold at $20 for a couple or $10 for a single ticket. This is a great turnout considering the maximum capacity for the Palais Royale is 850 guests, said Jill Funnell, Residence Hall Association vice president and co-chair of the dance.
Last year the dance had to be postponed due to conflicts with venue locations. This year is a different story, said Funnell.
"This year's planning has gone very smoothly, especially in comparison to last year," she said. "The only setback was the gifts being backordered. Otherwise, everything is set to go for Saturday."
In the spirit of the formal's theme, dance guests will receive hurricane mugs, a reference to the traditional New Orleans beverage. Unfortunately, due to the backordering, those will be distributed within the next few weeks, said Funnell.
Due to the Palais Royale's policies, no decorations are allowed, but guests may still enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and architecture of the venue, said Funnell.
Not only is the event entertaining, but Saint Mary's is fortunate to even hold a school-wide dance, said Funnell.
"It is a great opportunity to bring the entire College together in an event that always proves to be a great time," she said. "This is a unique opportunity that SMC has because of its close-knit nature."
Sophomore Laura Mogle feels that the All School Formal is a an improved option over individual dorm dances.
"I think this is a much better way to have the dance," she said. "Saint Mary's is so friendly that you are sure to have friends in more than one dorm. It's nice to have a night when everyone will be there, so it's not exclusive," Mogle said.
With second semester well underway, students also feel the timing is right for this event. "I can't wait to go. I just need to get my mind off of things for one weekend," senior Cassie Gerstner said.
Mogle agreed, and also pointed to the appropriateness of the theme.
"Mardi Gras is always a good time," she said, "and the formal is sure to be the same."
Alcohol will not be permitted at the dance regardless of age. All guests will be transported to and from the dance by the bus provided by Saint Mary's.
