The 40th annual celebration of AnTostal - a Student Union Board (SUB) event that means "festival" in Gaelic - will wrap up a week of quarter-dog eating, comedians and a famed band with an afternoon salsa party and a battle of the bands tonight.
SUB officials said they hope they made this week as laid-back and fun as possible, giving students a breather before the tension of finals begins next week.
"We are really trying to get people outside and to get pumped for Battle of the Bands," junior Meghan Kelly, SUB cultural arts programmer, said, referring to the square off Friday among student bands.
In addition to Battle of the Bands, SUB also organized T-shirt and donut giveaways outside O'Shaughnessy Hall Monday and a quarter dog-eating contest at LaFortune Student Center that night. The winner shocked everyone with his ability to shove down a hot dog in an impressive 8.7 seconds, Kelly said.
The SUB also brought comedian Kenan Thompson, a "Saturday Night Live" cast member and former child star, to speak to students in DeBartolo Hall Monday.
On Tuesday, SUB entertained students with a movie watch of the horror classic "Jaws" on North Quad, complete with a grill that served free food to students.
SUB's carnival on South Quad Wednesday was moved to the Stepan Center because of rain. On Thursday, famed Irish rock group Flogging Molly graced audiences at Legends with its highly anticipated performance.
The Battle of the Bands will be held tonight at 8 at Legends, followed by Late Night Karaoke at Reckers from 1 to 3 a.m. SUB scheduled a performance to be held by comedian Greg Geraldo at Legends Saturday, with opening stand-up routines from two student performers.
Although this year's AnTostal has been Irish-themed, SUB has also organized a Latin-themed salsa dance party in addition to today's festivities. The event will be held on the Fieldhouse Mall between 11:30 and 1:30 p.m. today.
"There will be lots of good music, a lot like at Latin Expressions," Kelly said.
In addition to good music, students will also enjoy free Mexican cuisine from South Bend's La Esperanza restaurant. SUB plans to attract students with La Esperanza's flautas and quesadillas, Kelly said.
"People come in droves for free food," said Kelly, anticipating a good turnout this afternoon.
Kelly said she hopes people come and dance, but they are also welcome to just stop by and grab some free food and socialize on their way to classes.
"I think it sounds like fun," freshman Mary Kusek said. "I want to stop by before I head to classes for the day."
SUB had no set goals or specific aims for this week. But in light of AnTostal's 40th anniversary, Kelly said, organizers knew they wanted the celebration to be "bigger and better than ever."
