‘Night of Louisiana’ fun for attendees, caterers

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For Anna McLaughlin, getting the food just right is important for a successful “Night of Louisiana.”

The night’s entree? Cajun chicken breast, jumping black-eyed pea salad and Cajun barbecue baked beans.

“It’s got to look good, smell good and sound good before it can taste good,” said McLaughlin, an assistant manager with Campus Dining.

More than 900 people received an early taste of Mardi Gras on Saturday night during the 19th annual dinner and dance in Finch Fieldhouse.

McLaughlin said Classic Fare Catering made the entree possible. The staff, she said, enjoyed the celebration of fine Louisiana music and traditional Cajun cuisine just as much as the crowd.

A.J Lattimore, a Big Rapids resident and CMU alumni, won tickets to the dinner and dance through a contest on WWBR 100.9 Big Country.

“I’ve never heard Cajun music before, but this is a lot of fun,” he said.

Couples dance to the sounds of Louisiana at the Night of Louisiana event Saturday night in Finch Fieldhouse. The Pine Leaf Boys and Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers kept the dance floor crowded throughout the event. (Nathan Kostegian/Staff Photographer)

Mulliken junior Samantha Hunt also enjoyed her experience.

“The music is fun, the food looks great,” she said. “It’s pretty crazy, though.”

Louisiana love

Mount Pleasant senior and Student Government Association President Jason Nichol described the evening as a way to break out of the college tedium.

“I would definitely come again,” he said.

Bartenders kept busy with a large number of people ordering the New Orleans Hurricane.

While the food and drinks are a signature of “Night of Louisiana,” the music kept people dancing the entire night.

The Pine Leaf Boys were the opening performers. Soon after their music was under way, people of all ages gravitated to the dance floor.

The band was not afraid to slow down for mellow selections. The audience offered a round of applause after the performance concluded.

“It’s too cold outside, but we’ve got fun inside,” said band leader Wilson Savoy. “I love this part of the state. The crowd was great.”

Fifteen minutes later, Nathan “Lil’ Nathan” Williams Jr. and the Zydeco Big Timers took over.

“It was a pleasure being here in Mount Pleasant,” Lil’ Nathan said to an excited crowd. “We came and showed you how it is in Louisiana!”