WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — It was just one minute past 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning, but some had been awake for hours. Brightly colored Neon Cactus cups dangled from their belts, purse straps and fingertips as they stood in line outside the popular West Lafayette bar.

Robin Hood, Miley Cyrus and the Harlem Globetrotters were all there. A van full of nuns pulled up, and they joined, too.

By 7:21 a.m., the line was steadily moving as some went inside and more people headed down Chauncey Hill to join it. A group of men in jerseys joined the end of the line.

"Well," one said, "no one got arrested yet, so we're good."

At Purdue University, Breakfast Club is a home football game staple: Wake up early, dress in costume and troop to the bars surrounding campus.

It's a tradition built on outlandish costumes and early-morning drinking. Some debate if it's still as big as years past, but most say it isn't bad — just tradition.

A loyal attendee — a pink Minnie Mouse named Lauren Smith — comes every home game.

"It's, like, Purdue," the senior told the Journal & Courier (http://on.jconline.com/15TC1IX ). "It's the best college experience. We have Halloween (multiple) times a year compared to one."

Smith acknowledged that some may see college drinking as a problem.

"I feel like you learn to control yourself," she said. Fellow Minnie Mouse Ali Knies agreed.

"You can go get a couple (of) beers, have fun and chill. You drink and be social. You don't have to get hammered or anything," said Knies, also a Purdue senior.

Whether it's moderation or a combination of factors, Breakfast Club "may be dying a very slow death," said Ben Reiling, manager at Bar Barry Liquors on Northwestern Avenue.

"It was a lot bigger even five years ago or 10 years ago," he said. "Every year it seems to die a bit. It's gradually slowing down."

Jose Fogleman, manager at Jake's Roadhouse, won't go so far as to say Breakfast Club is dying. But he agreed that the tradition has grown more tame.

"I've bartended here for a long time, and I've just seen a decrease in as much fighting and police officers outside as I have in the past," he said. "It seems more subdued. People aren't going out and getting more crazy."

Even so, signs of intoxication were plentiful as students went from bar to bar before the Purdue homecoming football game against Northern Illinois.

"Listen, I drink a lot," a pepper shaker said — to a nerd wearing suspenders — as she stumbled on the sidewalk near Jimmy John's.

"You clearly don't," he replied.

Across the street, a family with two small daughters — one in a stroller — looked for the University Spirit store as a runaway bride sprinted past them, the scent of alcohol trailing behind her.

"During the week, students have a lot of time to work and study hard, but it's the weekend," said a "nudist on strike" named Nick Palumbo, a Purdue junior. "It's time to have fun."

Sure, some students may "overdo it," he said. "But it's not everyone."

Fogleman agreed. "It's a lot more tame and chill out at Breakfast Club. It's still a good thing, just not as crazy as it used to be."

Outside Jake's Roadhouse, Purdue student Colleen Neary introduced her parents, Christina and Tom Neary, to the fun.

"I've never gotten up this early to drink in my life," Christina said. "I think it's excessive ... starting this early. I think some kids can handle it and some can't."

"So far, it seems like it's in control," Tom added.

Robert and Mary McGraw of West Point watched the antics while eating breakfast outside Greyhouse Coffee & Supply Co. They said they notice the ones who've gone too far — but those are few.

Overall, it's just a good time.

"I don't think it's dangerous. We've seen some who have partied too much, but in general, it's just fun," Robert McGraw said. "It's the best free show in town."

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com

This is an AP Member Exchange shared by the Journal & Courier.