Pounding drums and clashing cymbals filled the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on Wednesday night as an enormous lion danced wildly.

The weekly Government of the Student Body Senate meeting featured a lively performance by the Guang Hwa Lion Dance Team, an ISU student organization. The night’s entertainment was a shortened version of a traditional Chinese dance.

The routine involves two dancers beneath an oversized, sequined lion costume prancing and prowling in time to a beat provided by a rhythm section. Members of the group said the dance is a tradition that dates back more than 2,000 years and is supposed to bring great happiness and good luck to a village.

Guang Hwa requested funds from the Senate in order to purchase a new lion’s head to replace the current head.

The lion head being used during the performance was being held together by duct tape.

ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard was also on hand to update the Senate on developments in the athletic department.

“It’s important to communicate with you [the Senate] as representatives of the student body about the direction of the athletic program,” he said.

One method of fostering communication Pollard has instituted is a student advisory group made up of 11 student representatives with whom he communicates with on a regular basis.

Another positive Pollard mentioned is that this football season saw the second highest number of student season-ticket holders in the entire history of the program.

Also present at the meeting were the Ames mayor and the entire Ames City Council.

The council members were seated with the student senators and discussed issues important to students in an open forum session.

Subjects covered included the recent controversy about a proposed beer garden next to People’s Bar & Grill, 2430 Lincoln Way, lowering the legal age to enter bars in Ames and improving visibility on crosswalks that are used by students.

One senator broached a topic dear to the hearts of many students who frequent establishments on Welch Avenue.

“I was hoping that the city of Ames might help build some public restrooms in the Campustown area,” said Tom Dworzanski, senior in finance.

The meeting continued after the time of publication.