Langley Mardi Gras began as crawfish feed

It all started with crawfish. But like any good Mardi Gras event, it developed into a celebration full of New Orleans-style jazz and Mardi Gras beads.

The annual Bayview Mardi Gras Party, taking place Saturday at Bayview Corner Cash Store in Langley, began with a remark made by Mary French, the manager of Fishmonger, a fresh seafood merchant on South Whidbey Island, to the staff at Goosefoot, a nonprofit group that organizes the island’s community events.

“She wanted to bring in crawfish from Louisiana to cook up for folks and wondered if there was any way to build an event around it. So we did!” Goosefoot spokeswoman Marian Myszkowski said.

Soon, the event went from having mainly a food focus to including the distribution of colorful Mardi Gras beads and other traditional aspects, most notably the playing of jazz music.

“This will be our third annual Mardi Gras Party,” Myszkowski said. “We approached Steve Tarr to play because we knew that he could put together a band that played New Orleans-style jazz. Folks loved them so much last year that we asked them back. They are the only live music. Between sets, we play (recorded) Mardi Gras and Cajun music.”

She went on to say that the rain-or-shine event is geared mainly toward adults, as beer and wine, along with soft drinks, are for sale, but that children are also welcome to attend.

“We give out beads and have plenty of them,” she said. “In the past, kids have loved to see how many beads they could collect.”

Festive clothing and accessories are encouraged — and not just encouraged for fun — there’s a real incentive. Anyone wearing a mask, a costume or Mardi Gras hat will receive a special party favor bag.

There’s plenty of parking at the Cash Store building.

“The party is a fun opportunity to cross the water and enjoy some friendly island hospitality, great live music and delicious food and still be home by 10 p.m. Last year’s event featured dancing, and even a conga line,” Myszkowski said.