Nothing draws a crowd like crepes, polka music and streamers. The 12th Annual Fasching/Carnaval took place on Feb. 19, sponsored by UW-Platteville’s French and German Clubs. Many UW-P students and Platteville community members attended the event.

The event, which took three hours to set up, was designed for the campus community as well as the City of Platteville community.

Photograph by Kaitlin Schrader
Rachel Peterson, junior English education major, face paints Lexi.

Laura Anderson, who has been the adviser for French Club since it’s conception 13 years ago, said that the two clubs came together with the same goal: to celebrate similar cultural charasteristics between the two countries among themselves and the community.

Anderson believed that the two small groups coming together allowed them to work on fundraising and advertising quicker. Planning for the event started in the fall with fundraisers and the buying of supplies, and publicity started the month prior to the event.

Edina Haslauer, a German teacher in the humanities department, offers students extra credit to attend the event. In fact, many UW-P students took part by being in charge of each game that was offered.

Games included bowling, memory, dart boards and giant chess. For each game that was won, a person could win fake Euros for treats and goodies. Kiddy prizes were not the only thing that was offered at the event.

A taste of French and German foods were available for all. While event goers could enjoy beer, wine, crepes and streudle, they were also able to listen to music, judge the costume contest and play bingo with a French and German twist to it.

“It’s good to explore other cultures and to embrace something different—a different culture, a different language,” Sarah Fahs, president of the French club said.

Carnaval is the festival season that occurs prior to Lent. The events take place usually during January and February. Carnaval festivals were held by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox religions. The festivals allow people to celebrate one last time with an excess of food before Lent, which practices fasting and restricting of food. All festivals tend to end on Fat Tuesday.