MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University students are got a taste of summer with a carnival-themed dinner Monday. It's part of the activities for the annual Winterfest celebration on campus this week.

The theme this year is Chilly Nights & Carnival Lights. Cooks at the Marketplace looked for unique items from state fairs across the country.

"I hope that they're surprised. It's something different, something a little out of the ordinary. I mean we have the classics: cotton candy and popcorn, but I want them to see some unusual state fair items that they normally wouldn't see around Michigan," said NMU Executive Chef Nathan Mileski.

Spaghetti and meatballs on a stick, Kool-Aid pickles and more traditional carnival favorites were all on the menu. The dinner went until 8 p.m. Monday at the Marketplace. The cost at the door is $9.50 for adults, $5.25 for children. For NMU students who live on campus, Monday night's theme meal is part of their meal plan.