New Orleans in Langley

Mardi Gras carnival brings fun, excitement to WICA fund-raiser

January 30, 2002 7:00 pm
Anyone hoping to draw a bead on a winning spin at WICA's Mardis Gras night might want to talk to theater volunteer Chris Spencer. Though he won't be wearing the fez or the vest during the event
Anyone hoping to draw a bead on a winning spin at WICA's Mardis Gras night might want to talk to theater volunteer Chris Spencer. Though he won't be wearing the fez or the vest during the event

The theater at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will have undergone a major transformation by Saturday night.

Gone will be the aura of the Northwest and Whidbey Island. Instead, walls will be adorned with gold embosssed mirrors, velvet drapes will capture the luxurious feel of old New Orleans, and guests in masks and costumes will patronize gaming tables, learn their futures from a fortune teller, and snack on Cajun appetizers and traditional King cakes.

The New Orleans Mardi Gras Festival, a fund-raiser for WICA, should be a night of rare experiences on South Whidbey. Where else will islanders receive gold-green beads upon entering, dine on Crawfish Pie and Maque Choux, or be able to try their luck at six gaming tables with a supply of doubloons, and maybe even win a prize donated by local merchants at the Wheel of Fortune.

Well-known and popular pianist Nancy Nolan will preside over a piano bar in the lobby, while Jaya Sarada will give tarot card readings to those who want to see past the present.

Mistress of ceremonies Barb Schwarz says says she will keep the evening rocking. A Mardi Gras King and Queen will be crowned, chosen for the most fabulous masks, and the royalty will cut the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake and lead the revelers in a line dance, with live music by Maggie and the Older Boys.

A no-host bar will feature wines from Whidbey Island Winery, served by winery owners Gary and Elizabeth Osenbach. There will be a silent auction of art pieces by local artists, and a live auction for the original reversed glass painting used for the Mardi Gras poster. Later on, party-goers dance can dance to the hot tunes of The Groove Brothers DJs.

The $40 tickets include complimentary doubloons (Mardi Gras coins) that can be used for a beverage, game or tarot card reading. The menu of Cajun appetizers will be prepared by Jeanne Juneau, who is actually from New Orleans.

Most of all, guests will have a chance to dress up in costumes, masks and festive wear, and chase away the long, dark days and hang out with old and new friends, while helping support the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.