Booze, food and creative costumes all haunted the Old State Capitol Thursday during its first annual Spirits of Louisiana event. The event raised money for necessary upgrades to the 166-year-old building.
Manship School of Mass Communication graduate student Danielle Kelley, who worked on the Spirits of Louisiana planning committee, said the event had a fantastic turnout.
“It shows that people are really excited about anything that relates to Louisiana,” she said. “We have a fantastic team here and it would not have been possible without everyone’s individual help.”
The event featured local distilleries, including Bayou Rum, Donner-Peltier Distillers and Rank Wildcat.
Owner and distiller of Rank Wildcat David Meaux allowed guests to taste his drink “Rouler,” which is now the official cocktail of Lafayette. Meaux said when the Old State Capitol invited him to serve at the event, he jumped at the opportunity.
“As soon as they invited me, I put it on the calendar and I was here,” he said. “The event is beautiful, and being here is really magical.”
Heirloom Cuisine catered the event, cleverly naming their dishes with a Halloween theme. Their dish “ Zombie Brains” was macaroni and cheese topped with applewood-smoked bacon bits over shredded cheese and green onions.
Heirloom Cuisine employee Forrest Hildebrand said their dishes were fall and Halloween-inspired.
“We are putting out great seasonal food that complements the theme of the event,” Hildebrand said.
Guests were asked to arrive in cocktail attire and don Halloween accessories. Costumes ranged from foxes to superheros to witches.
Psychology senior and event attendee Olivia Beaudreault said she fulfilled a personal goal by going to the fundraiser.
“I’ve always wanted to attend a cocktail tasting event,” she said.
Old State Capitol curator Lauren Davis said she hopes the Spirits of Louisiana event will become an annual celebration.
“It’s not something we’ve done before, but everyone seems like they’re having fun,” Davis said.
Attendee Rita Darensbourg said the Old State Capitol served as the perfect venue for the evening of themed fun.
“You get all of this food and drink from this event, and you get to help the Old State Capitol — it’s a win-win,” Darensbourg said.

Gallery • 19 Photos

Haskell Whittington

People attending The Spirits of Louisiana event dress up with Halloween mask and more on Thursday Oct. 27, 2016, in the Louisiana old state capitol.