Through the madness of the night, Indra Pinckney said students had a safe environment to enjoy festivities at the EXCEL-hosted event Tuesday night.

The EXCEL Campus Activities vice president estimated that about 400 people would show up, but the official count was not known at press time.

Mardi Gras Madness is an event that gives students a safe and alcohol-free way to celebrate Mardi Gras. It co-sponsored by Bowling and Billiards and the Sensible Mavericks Acting Responsibly Together Coalition.

When attendants walked into Bowling and Billiards, they were greeted by EXCEL members handing out beads, the sound of band Zydeco Stingrays playing in the background, streamers hanging from the ceiling and the sounds of people talking with their friends.

Pinckney said she had high opinions of the Mardi Gras king and queen for the night, and they “put the mardi in the Mardi Gras.”

Criminal justice freshman David Tomich, who was crowned king on Monday, said the overall feel of the room was very energetic.

Tomich and queen Sabrin Arafat, a biology sophomore, were the host and hostess of the night. They opened the festivities with an announcement to the room before opening up the buffet.

Film sophomore Avery Hartwell said he didn’t mind the long line for food because he was hungry.

“You get small portions, but it’s worth the wait,” he said.

After opening the buffet, Tomich and Arafat mingled with the attendants.

Tomich said he was most excited about the crowd and the great atmosphere of the room.

“It’s not about the alcohol or getting drunk,” Tomich said. “It’s about having fun.”

There were mocktails at the party instead of alcoholic cocktails, free food and free bowling throughout the night.

Arlington resident Scot Rhima came for the free Cajun food and bowling.

“It’s better than I expected,” he said.