Between homemade costumes and fun table events, the annual LSU Costume Contest is a great way for students to take a break from class while expressing themselves in celebration of Halloween.
Many of the costumes seen for the competition had elements that were found in their own closets, tailored to fit the character they were emulating. Catherine Zachariah, the coordinator of marketing, events and special projects, enjoys the creativity this competition brings out of the students.
“I feel like there’s been a lot of students that won’t just go out and buy a costume,” Zachariah said. “They’ll make their costume, they’ll do their makeup and they’ll show up to class and feel confident in it.”
When students choose to upcycle or create a costume from scratch, it shows how they are able to problem solve and think outside of the box. It can also lead to a more sustainable mindset and save money as a result.
Kaymen Hardnett, an international studies student dressed as a zombie, chose to make his costume out of items he already owned.
“I just went into my closet and found some clothes I didn’t really care for,” Hardnett explained. “I gave them some tatters, rips and added some moss to it. My makeup, it took about two hours. I just used some latex, foundation and rice.”
Using items from around the house, such as rice to look like dead, peeling skin, shows the inventor inside everyone. Using this creative side of our brain shows off our artistic talents, which can be found in everyone.
Graduate student Jordyn Wilson enjoys this creative touch, but also the confidence it brings out in the students and the way they get to express themselves.
“I think the costume contest gets students excited and it allows them to make their costumes and dress up, but also get to wear things that they probably wouldn’t wear on a regular day at campus,” Wilson said. “So seeing that is a lot of fun and students really do get to express themselves and have a lot of fun with their outfit.”
The costume contest also allowed students to share the special interests dear to their heart. Jalen Willis, an animal science major, dressed as Green Goblin, a favorite character of his.
“I honestly really loved Spiderman growing up, and the Green Goblin has been one of my favorites since I was a kid,” Willis said. “When I found out that Marvel Studios was releasing a Pumpkin Bomb and a helmet, I really wanted to get it. I’m really proud of how well [my costume] came together.”
The students who participated in the contest, or just stopped by to see the tables, were able to take a break from their schoolwork. With the semester quickly nearing the end, this event allowed students to relax and just live in the moment.
“We have a lot of students who pass between classes and for lunch, so they can stop by, do all the awesome events that we have at the tables and then keep going.” Wilson explained.
When students signed up for the contest or just passed through the Union, they were able to stop at tables and participate in the Halloween themed activities. One table, hosted by LSU Campus Life, was button making, where students could decorate a button and have it pressed, ready to wear for the Halloween weekend.
LSU Dining hosted two tables, one of which featured a tarot card reading for anyone with a burning question. The other table was a catered cookie decorating shop, where students could decorate and enjoy delicious cookies.
The contest is voted on by students on the LSU Student Union Instagram. Voting will begin after the costume contest closes on Halloween, so be sure to get your votes in and be on the lookout for the winner announcement.
