Mardi Gras hits Boulevard this weekend

Bishop Boulevard will be transformed into Bourbon Street on Saturday to celebrate the New Orleans tradition, Mardi Gras, Mustang style.

The Boulevard will bring Mardi Gras to SMU, since students can’t travel to New Orleans this year to celebrate the anticipated holiday.

Cheerleaders will pass out traditional beads on The Boulevard and in Ford Stadium. Jazz music and Cajun food, like Gumbo, will all be a part of Saturday’s festivities.

“I’m really upset I won’t be able to attend Mardi Gras this year. I’ve been in the past and had the time of my life. I’m glad SMU is making an attempt to bring it to The Boulevard and help make Tulane feel close to home,” said junior Meagan McHone.

Students and alumni will be encouraged to decorate their red and blue tents to match the Mardi Gras theme. A contest will be held to determine the best decorated tent.

Shawn Heilbron, Associate Athletic Director, said the marketing department decided on Mustang Mardi Gras because they wanted to contribute to the relief effort and raise awareness at Saturday’s football game.

The athletic department wanted to do something fun and different to raise money instead of just collecting donations.

“We hope students buy shirts and wear them to the game so there will be a lot of red in the stadium,” said Heilbron.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts with the “Mustang Mardi Gras” logo for $15 each.

The t-shirts can be purchased online at www.MustangLockerRoom.com.

The Mustang Locker Room store in Ford Stadium will have shirts available for purchase on Friday.

The t-shirts will also be available on The Boulevard and at Ford Stadium on game day.

The t-shirts were donated, so all proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.Kickoff for the SMU vs. Tulane game is set for 7 p.m. in Ford Stadium.

At halftime, Student Body President Liz Healy will present a check to Conference USA for the Katrina Relief Fund benefiting the American Red Cross.