>>CORRECTION: CSUN’s new burger is called the Matador Burger and not the Mataburger.
The annual Matafest is almost here to bring students back to school, Mardi Gras style.
The Mardi Gras is a “cultural celebration (and) it’s a welcome back to students before getting to business of studying and hitting the books,” said Shanell Tyus, event manager for University Student Union (USU).
During the event, students would learn about different organizations, clubs and departments the university has to offer. According to Augie Garibay, activities coordinator, there will be 90 clubs ranging from fraternities and sororities to the Karate Club.
“(Meeting different clubs) can help get them through a lot of the stresses,” said Garibay. “When returning in the fall they are able to see an opportunity and make a connection with the university.”
Garibay also said meeting with different clubs can help students broaden their minds and not feel like they are trapped into one program.
Randy Sorensen, event assistant, said each tent will have different activities like basketball or air hockey. There will also be a crafts table for students to create their own Mardi Gras masks and beads.
In keeping with the Mardi Gras theme, there will be Cajun food and New Orleans Cajun style music. There will also be shaved ice from Frozen Crush and other entertainment will include an R&B singer and a DJ, according to Tyus and Sorensen.
The Mataburger will also make its debut during the Matafest. They will give out 500 free burgers during the event, according to Kevin Lizarraga, marketing manager.
The Mataburger will be made with fresh ground beef, American cheese, roasted bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and bacon on a crispy bun, said Lizarraga.
Lizarraga said it was a long process to make a burger that was special to Cal State Northridge. The purpose of the burger is to show school pride, he said.
“We didn’t want to make a cheap burger,” said Lizarraga, “We made a food item that is unique to the campus and can only be found at CSUN.”
The name of the burger is still being debated between Mataburger and Matador Burger, according to Lizarraga. The burger will cost $5.55.
Students will get to win prizes such as a parking permit or a $350 gift card to the Matador Bookstore, according to Tyus.
Sorensen noted that students will be given a passport and they will get it stamped in every tent they visit. The more departments they visit, the more they have a chance to win the big prizes, said Sorensen.
Matafest will be Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the Plaza del Sol .The first part will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the second part will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
