Rides, games and Hamantaschen filled Binghamton University’s Events Center Monday night as the campus and community came together to celebrate the Jewish holiday Purim, which is celebrated on March 20 and commemorates the saving of the Jews from massacre in Ancient Persia.

The 20th annual Purim Carnival brought hundreds of students, faculty and community members to campus to participate in raffles, play carnival games and learn about Purim.

“People learn about the holiday, it’s a big turnout and people have a great time,” said Rabbi Levi Slonim of the Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at BU. “What’s beautiful about the event is the charity component, everyone is involved and giving back.”

This year’s event raised money for LIVESTRONG, an organization that aims to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, and for relief in Japan, though a specific relief organization has not yet been chosen.

In addition to participating in a philanthropy event, carnival attendees were in for a treat with attractions including a mechanical bull, World Sports Arena, inflatable obstacle course, moon walk, battle of the bands competition, pie-eating contest and hot dog-eating contest.

“I’m having a lot of fun,” said Stephen Shilale, a freshman majoring in engineering. “I did the moon bounce and rode the bull. I’ve done everything.”

The event was spearheaded by Chabad, Pi Lambda Phi fraternity and Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority, and co-sponsored by Off Campus College Council, Financial Council, BU Convocations, Sodexo, Kaplan and Hillel — Jewish Student Union.

According to carnival director Jordan Waldman, a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience, this year’s event is expected to raise at least $1,000 more than last year’s since they had already raised almost $4,000 halfway through the night.