The soulful sound of music and shouts of laughter entwined with the scent of crawfish, corn and potatoes on Tuesday as the University of New Orleans and the Student Activities Council (SAC) hosted its 35th annual SUCbAUF, a free crawfish boil for students.
SUCbAUF (pronounced suck-off), which also included a 40-foot alligator slide, a rideable shark, an inflatable obstacle course and mechanical surf board, was held in the University Center’s parking lot and marked the return of the in-person event.
Last year’s boil was carryout-style because of COVID-19 precautions.
“We’re so excited to bring SUCbAUF back to its traditional sit-down event,” said LeeAnne Sipe, assistant dean of student affairs, who helped to organize the event. “With just over 5,000 pounds of crawfish and lots of live music featuring current students and Privateer alumni, we couldn’t wait to fest with y’all!”
While volunteers served pounds of crawfish and other sides from what appeared to be bottomless pirogues, some students sat eating at the rows of tables that were planted in front of the music stage.
Meanwhile other students, like Piero Berrios and Carlos Nacianceno, tried their hand – and feet – at the game stations.
“It’s a really great event,” said Berrios, a senior majoring in electrical engineering. “It’s nice to see everyone out just eating crawfish and having a great time. I really liked the surfboard. That was fun; kind of a shin workout!”
Nacianceno, a freshman electrical engineering major, said he appreciated the variety of entertainment offered.
“Being my first year, I kind of enjoy that they do events like this,” he said. “It’s nice that they have activities that everyone can participate in—besides the crawfish eating!”
Joy Ballard, associate director for Student Involvement and Leadership, who helped organize the event, summed it in this manner.
“SUCbAUF by the numbers:
• 1 best day of the year
• 4 hours of food and fun
• 40 feet of Alligator Slide Fun
• 4 bands featuring UNO students and Alumni
• 12 master boilers from Folse
• 130 amazing volunteers
• 600 lbs. of potatoes
• 2,072 pieces of corn
• 5,000 lbs. of crawfish!”
