To kick off Argo’s 2023 Mardi Gras Masquerade Homecoming, hot dogs, and burgers provided by Joey’s Red Hots were able to be purchased from the food trucks by using one of the two tickets given when entering. The other ticket could have been used to purchase some Italian ice from varying from plenty of different flavors. My favorite of the night was the strawberry flavor; although, I heard many good things about the other flavors as well.

When I asked how people felt about the food aspect compared to last year, Anthony Miranda, a sophomore, said, “The foods pretty good. We didn’t even have food last year; we had a concession stand so I think it’s a big move up.”

Another sophomore, Art Romo, then stated, “They’re actually giving you food, that’s cool. I had to go to Rudy’s after [last year’s homecoming]”.

Additionally, upper classmen had more to say on the topic.

“This year I liked that they had more food. Last year they only served popsicles and candy” said Darlen Tena, a senior.

Apart from all the food critiques, many people enjoyed spending their time outside sitting at the tables and just talking with their friends or enjoying a game of bean bag toss. I also saw a lot of people singing some of their favorite spanish songs, as that was mostly what played on the speakers outside.

Now, moving along inside, decorations were seen to be filling the walls of the hallways in bright sparkly yellows, on par with the Mardi Gras theme. At the end of the hallway, Ms. Garrett and a few student volunteers were offering free pictures! Students could take photos with various props and pick up their pictures at the end of the night. These pictures captured the memories of the night, making it one to reminisce on.

However, I think the real party was in the cafeteria. A DJ with loudspeakers attracted students by playing their favorite songs, no matter the genre or language. People were seen to be having the time of their lives jumping, singing, and dancing. I can confirm that it was definitely 20 degrees warmer in there than everywhere else, and being a part of that pit would’ve had you sweating when coming out but the whole ambiance of seeing everybody enjoying themselves just made you want to go and jump in there yourself.

The dance lasted from 6-10 pm, but the memories made will last forever.