UL Lafayette students devour 10,000 pounds of crawfish

In Cajun French, “Lagniappe” (LAHN-yahp) means “a little something extra.” Every spring, Lagniappe Day is a little something extra for the students at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

A week of events lead to an afternoon of games, live music, canoe races, and a lake jump at Cypress Lake, a jalapeno eating contest, and 10,000 pounds of boiled crawfish for the entire campus served by campus dining partner Sodexo and local vendor Cajun Claws Seafood Boilers.

Lagniappe Day is held in partnership with the Traditions Committee of the University Program Council.

Over 2,000 tickets were sold for the 49th annual crawfish boil on April 21.

"We have enjoyed a long-time partnership with Sodexo in producing one of the largest traditions at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Lagniappe Day," said Associate Dean of Students Heidie Lindsey. "Together with our partners at Sodexo, we produce a
crawfish boil that feeds over 2,000 students each year. Our students look forward to this day every spring and it is a cherished tradition."

Although the weather this year was uncooperative with heavy rains, it did not stop Sodexo dining team from quickly pivoting plans. The event was moved from an outdoor location on Boucher Street to indoors at Blackham Coliseum, the historic 25,000 square foot multipurpose arena built on campus in 1949.

Upon approach, students were directed to one of twelve lines to pick up their crawfish, corn, and potatoes. As students exited the lines, dip, Sodexo-branded mints, soda, and water were available.

Coca-Cola® provided a booth with Reign® energy drinks. The Beer Truck served complimentary Michelob Ultra and Bud Light for anyone over 21.

In the arena, students enjoyed two inflatable obstacle courses, fresh squeezed lemonade, a jalapeno pepper eating contest, photo-op area, music by a local disc jockey, with open seating in the center.

"It is because of Sodexo's generous sponsorship that we are able to offer this opportunity to our students either for one meal swipe or for a third of what they would pay in town for that much crawfish. We are looking forward to celebrating 50 years of Lagniappe Day in April 2024."