Mardi Gras at UCLA Pared Down for Security : Festival: Campus event will have shorter hours than previous years and more of a family focus. Security precautions are a result of 1991 Westwood violence. The event was canceled last year because of the riots.

The UCLA Mardi Gras, which was canceled last year after the city’s riots, will resume today at 11 a.m. with its days and hours shortened from previous years because of security concerns.

The event on the campus athletic field at Sunset Boulevard and Westwood Plaza has been reduced from three days to two. Instead of remaining open until midnight, it will close at 7 p.m.

“It hurts me deeply that we have to cut out so many hours,” said Cheryl Harrelson, a senior who is this year’s Mardi Gras executive director. “We just feel for the safety of the campus, people (and) the areas that are close to us, that we really need to keep the hours short. We want everyone to come and work together and maybe in the future we will be able to make the hours longer.”

Harrelson expects attendance of 30,000 to 40,000, a major dip from the average of 60,000 for recent years.

A decision to curtail the Mardi Gras was made after more than 500 youths rampaged through the streets of Westwood Village, tossing bricks through windows and looting stores, early on May 19, 1991, after the event had closed for the day. Ten people were arrested.

As a result, plans were made to cut back the event, a campus tradition since 1941. However, before reduced hours could be implemented last year, the Mardi Gras was canceled for the first time in its history. The official explanation was that a large number of students were taking part in relief efforts after the riots. Unofficially, there was concern over a large public gathering so soon after the country’s worst domestic disturbances this century.

Organizers of what is billed as the nation’s largest student-run charity fund-raiser have also changed their marketing focus, from teen-agers and young adults to families. Kiddieland, an area featuring rides, games and shows for children, has been expanded. A larger petting zoo, arts and crafts tables, puppeteers, dance troupes and other youth-oriented entertainment also are planned. Several costumed cartoon characters will roam the Mardi Gras grounds and there will be a “Dennis the Menace” playhouse.

The theme of this year’s Mardi Gras is “Make It Happen--Together,” focusing attempts to bring racial harmony to Los Angeles. Various student cultural groups will perform.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children under 11 and free for children under 2. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day, admission for children under 11 is reduced to $1 and all ride prices are reduced.

Proceeds go to UniCamp, which takes underprivileged youths for outings in the San Bernardino Mountains wilderness.