University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

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Mardi Gras Mirrors. Although the sky was overcast and the paper floats were wilted from a light rain that had fallen all morning. this festive parade watcher sported sunglasses as part of her Mardi Cras attire. Poultry Prize. Seven parade judges named a this scowling giant chicken called “Poultrygeist” as Most Creative Float. Unsuspecting spectators had to dodge his wavering wings.

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TOSty. San Diego's zany Doodah Parade inspired the addition of off-the- wall entries in Moscow's Mardi Gras parade. The crowd and this snowman were both amused. A Better View. For those who falled to get a seat in the grandstand, a little im- provising sometimes was necessary in order to get a bet- ter look at the Main Street action. Float Fantasy. Freshman design students in groups of threes produced 20 floats in two weeks. In the Kibbie Dome, Holly Rittenhouse works to turn an idea into a milk-carton- paper reality. Carnaval Couple. Beaux Arts Balls organizers spent the most money ever by impor- ting two non-local bands. Ken Johnston and Laurie Hustoft ap proved of the selections. Mardi Gras 25

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Hearty mardi party the previous year because of light rain and wind, but 6,000 spec- tators were there to cheer on about 100 entries. Grand Marshall Mr. Potatohead led an array of bagpipers, kazoo bands, local school groups. floats and zany performers down Main Street. Some of the loudest ap- plause was for The Moscow Chamber of Commerce Welcomes the Bhagwan.” Smiling Guru Elliot Skolnik led his red-clad, chanting followers to the Best Per- formance award. With the parade over, crowd members dispers- ed to the afternoon Gong Show or readied themselves for the even- ing's gala ball. Each year the Beau Arts Ball has outgrown itself. In 1986 Milk Carton Magic. Design students turned ordinary mild carton paper into works of art such as Palouse Ski Bunny, winner of Most Original Float Here Bryan Kirkhart applies finishing touches the ball was held in the SUB Ballroom for the first time. Alcohol is not permitted on campus, but non-alcohlic ''mocktails'' were available. The $10 ball ticket also permitted par- tiers to ride shuttle buses between the SUB and four sponsoring bars. Each year, 25 percent of the profits from Mardi Gras are reserved for next year's celebration, In 1986 more of that money was spent on decorations for the ball and on two bands. The ballroom was transform- ed by Ul art students us- ing black and white balloons, paper, and streamers to cover walls and make chandeliers. The Big Sky Mudflaps provided about 1,200 dancers with country- western music early in the evening, and the well received Crazy 8's took over with a blend of funk rock jazz reggae until 2 a.m. For the first time, dancers could take a break by watching a cabaret showcasing local talent, The ball raised about $12,000, with $7000 go- ing to cover expenses and 85.000 to the galleries, Moscow's Mardi Gras is touted as a communi- ty event, and although for the first time there were more students than locals at the ball in 1986, Buchanan and Giese hoped all parts of the celebration would con- tinue to grow with sup- port from every group in Moscow. We're not going to be satisfied until there are 10,000 people in the Kib- bie Dome, Giese said. Parade Press. Moscow's celebration continued to expand under the direction of Charlotte Buchanan, president of Moscow Mardi Gras, inc. who an- nounced parade entries with Steve Shannon. Mardi Gras was advertised throughout the Nor: thwest on TV, radio, and in print. Old French, New Moscow. Following an old French custom of wearing black and white to hide and equalize the social status of party-goers, these revelers enjoyed a night of equitable fun. Mardi Gras 27