The Gastronome will be hosting its first Halloween-themed dinner Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“I think that the students should look forward to the decorations. For this particular Halloween-themed dinner we are going all out and it should be really fun,” said Vanessa Garcia, a first-year Gastronome employee and criminal justice major.

Dinner will be accompanied by activities, a Fear Factor Station and a costume contest for both students and employees. The event is open to all students with meal plans, and those who don’t pay the regular door price of $11.50 for dinner.

“Theme dinners are created every month to foster community and break some of the monotony that can come with living and eating on campus. Plus it is a great opportunity for our chefs and cooks to show their talents,” said marketing Manager Quinice Salmond.

The Halloween costume contest is open to all students.  Salmond said the winners will be decided by fellow students through ballot voting Friday through Sunday at 3 p.m. Contestants will be placed into the following categories: scariest, funniest, best costume overall and most creative. Winners will receive gift cards to Target and a prize pack full of goodies.

Students are asked to arrive in costumes and be photo-ready. Best costume overall will win a private dinner for themselves and nine friends.

Employees will also be allowed to dress up as long as they follow safety guidelines and wear slip-resistant shoes, hair nets or hats and clothing that is not baggy or excessively flowing on the top or bottom. Salmond said the employees will be judged by their sous chefs and placed in one of the four categories. The sous chefs can win gift cards and prize packs as well as have their photo posted on the digital screens for a week.

Students can also participate in a cupcake-decorating contest Thursday. To enter this contest students are invited to join the staff in decorating a cupcake from noon to 2 p.m. The cupcakes will be on display from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for everyone to vote on the scariest, most original and best-decorated cupcake. Winners will receive gift cards and a prize packs filled with water bottles, stress relievers and more.

For the Fear Factor Station, the Gastronome chefs will be preparing what they call “Crows Feet and Toenail Jam,” which consists of chicken feet and curry sauce. Everyone is welcome to participate by eating the “gruesome” food at the station. Dishes such as “Eye of Newt” and “Ghost Entrails” will also be included. Executive Chef Mathew Pike created the menu for the event.

Tyler James, a desk assistant at the Residents Office and a sociology major, enjoyed their Retro Night event and is looking forward to this event even more.

“With all the tests and exams and things like that, it’s just a relaxing time where you get to be silly and run around with a costume on; it’s just fun,” said James.