The smell of fresh, hot gumbo and an enticing green and gold-iced cupcake display drew thousands of students outside of the Student Union for the Homecoming Week traditional Gumbo Ya Ya, which was hosted by the Campus Activities Board.
This annual event was forced to change locations due to the current renovations of the old War Memorial Student Union building, but the change was a welcome one.
“That’s the biggest Gumbo Ya Ya we’ve ever had,” said Todd McElroy, coordinator of CAB. “We had served at least 3,000 people by 12:30 p.m. I think the spot worked out pretty well.”
McElroy did not have the final head count for the event, but he said this year’s Gumbo Ya Ya drew at least 5,000 students, many of whom accepted the free gumbo and cupcakes and sat in the area to enjoy the entertainment.
An hour into the event, the 2014 Homecoming Court was presented to the student body. Members of the court were also able to take a break from classes and appreciate the entertainment Gumbo Ya Ya had to offer.
“My favorite thing was the gumbo, actually. It was pretty tasty this semester,” said Thomas Moore, a senior majoring in business management and member of the 2014 Homecoming Court. “I also liked the different organizations out there. The dunking booth, the jousting, just the whole overall atmosphere of Gumbo Ya Ya. I think it was better this semester. I felt the Lion spirit out there.”
In addition to the various student organizations who set up booths, CAB had recruited a large variety of talent from on and off campus for the event.
“We vary the entertainment year to year,” said McElroy. “One of the student groups did a dance performance there. Plus [Jonathan Koeppel] just recently debuted his first CD, we played a few of his songs. He was in Southeastern Star last year.”
This year the event included an obstacle course, jousting, a Velcro wall, a chainsaw carver, a photo booth and a caricature artist. To go along with the Homecoming Week theme “Step Right Up to Roomie Under the Big Top,” two men from Extreme Talent dressed in colorful jester outfits and walked around on stilts.
Although this Homecoming tradition is primarily hosted by CAB, McElroy said everyone in the Division for Student Affairs stepped up to help with the event. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Marvin Yates jumped in to help serve gumbo during the rush, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs James McHodgkins helped other staff members cut and serve the special circus-themed cake.