The French and German clubs will be hosting a fasching/carnaval in the University Rooms in the Pioneer Student Center on Feb. 5 to celebrate Mardi Gras.

The event combines the traditions of the German fasching with that of the French carnaval. It is the season of merriment that is more commonly known in the western culture as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras.

“We like to do an event that shares events of the French and German culture with the university,” Laura Anderson, French club adviser, said.

This is the 11th celebration put on by the clubs.

“It is a fun way to share the celebration of Mardi Gras with the American culture,” Rachel Peterson, French club vice president, said.

The carnaval was started to find a common event for the foreign languages to share.

“It’s ultimately a way for people to have fun and learn something,” Patrick Hagen, German club adviser said, “and it’s a great way to promote language study.”

This is the second year the event will take place in the University Rooms in the PSC. In the previous years the event was held in the Ullsvik Center but due to the remodeling the event had to change location. Because of the change, the clubs have had to cut a few activities that normally occurred.

“We just don’t have the room to have the larger activities like the chessboard or a live band,” Anderson said.

The Grant County Brass Band attended earlier caranvals at the Ullsvik Center and played cultural music. Attendees could take lessons on polka and other traditional dances. This year the German and French clubs have put together CDs with traditional as well as more contemporary music for enjoyment.

“We hope to have them back in the future when we get the space back. People really enjoyed the live music,” Hagen said.

This year’s celebration will feature free beads, snacks, games and prizes. Other activities include face painting, mask making, bingo and a limbo contest.

Traditional French and German food like French onion soup, brats and German potato salad will be available for purchase at minimal cost.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 and will conclude around 9 p.m. It is free and open to the public.