Party in the Pews

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, most likely conjures up images of celebrating decadence. From the beads and nearly-bare ladies on the balconies of New Orleans to the even more scantily clad bodies at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival parties, folks seem lit by a fire paralleling religious ecstasy.

Now add to that list the West Tisbury Congregational Church.

Okay, the outfits may be a bit less revealing and the booze nonexistent here on the Island at a bastion of New England Protestant worship, but word has it the pitch of revelry will be no less diminished. Plus, you can bring your kids and not worry they will run off to join the samba line and never return.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the evening’s festivities go until 7 p.m. There will be music by drummers Rick Bausman and his son, Judson, and Brian Weiland on, well, considering Mr. Weiland plays about forty different instruments, who knows what he will pull out of the kit bag.

There will also be mask making, children’s activities and a traditional Fat Tuesday pancake meal served.

The suggested donation for the event is $5 per person or $15 per family.

The following day, a service of healing and wholeness to commemorate Ash Wednesday will be held at noon at the church.

But on Fat Tuesday, it’s time to party in the pews.

For more details, call 508-693-2842.