This year, Northern State University students celebrated Gypsy Days in a whole new way, Mardi Gras style. Many adorned themselves with beads, masks and costumes as they carried out the festive theme.Gypsy Days kicked off on Thurs., Sept. 23 with coronation in the Johnson Fine Arts Center with the NSU pep band providing music. The masters of ceremony for the evening were Student Body President Tucker Willard (former Marshal) and Student Body Vice President Taylor Gosch who festively dressed for the occasion and entertained the audience with their lighthearted comedy.

NSU’s new president, Dr. Patrick J. Schloss welcomed the audience followed by the traditional “beheading” of the exiting king of the Gyps, and the crowing of the new king, Ryan Siefkis. Last year’s Gypsy Day royalty, Baron Blanchard and Ruth Moneke, were then presented to the audience, and past Gypsy Day Royalty were recognized. The 2004 candidates were then announced. The candidates were Sarah Eggers, Volga, Michelle Kindle, Pierre, Jackie Mitchell, Brentford, Jordan Palmer, Huron, Bridget Remily, Doland, Rory Behrens, Rapid City, Aaron Darling, Aberdeen, Jim Lorenz, Huron, Steve Ranum Minot, N.D., and Craig Wiekamp, Clear Lake.

The Northern Highlights followed with a dance routine, and the Men’s Basketball Coach, Don Meyer, gave a fall sports review. Football coach, Ken Heupel followed with a pep talk as he urged the pep band to play the school song, “Up Northern Wolves,” as the NSU cheerleaders did their dance routine.

The evening continued with a skit called “Northern Idol,” in which contestants Stephanie Finn, Moorhead’s Dragon, Elias Rostad, and NSU’s mascot, Thunder, took turns performing for judges Simon (Jon Schaff), Randy (Doug Ohmer), and Paula (Vicki Evans). Zach Flakus served as “Northern Idol” host, Ryan. The crowning of the new marshal and queen followed with Behrens named Marshal and Eggers crowned as queen.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the newly crowned royalty and other candidates cruised at the beginning of the Gypsy Day Parade alongside many campus organizations and local businesses including the NSU Marching Wolves, Northern Highlights, area high school marching bands, Safe Harbor, and others.

The Gypsy Day football game followed later in the afternoon with a half-time show by the NSU Marching Wolves where the newly crowned royalty were presented to NSU students parents, and alumni who filled with stands and came to cheer on the Wolves. The Wolves ended the game victorious with their first conference win.

A Mardi Gras themed Gypsy Day dance, sponsored by Social Norms and CAB, followed later in the evening with several area DJs including DJ Peni and senior Cody Marks, Aberdeen, providing music.