Wednesday, March 05, 2025

The historic Bayview Hall has long been a hub for lively parties, dances, and gatherings on Whidbey Island. This past Tuesday, the hall came alive with an explosion of beads, feathers, and the vibrant sounds of traditional Zydeco music. Businesses across the island embraced the New Orleans spirit as early as Monday—known as Lundi Gras, the day before Mardi Gras.

Although parades were absent, Bayview Hall’s annual Mardi Gras Party brought together enough costumed revelers to form a Krewe of its own. The hall was adorned with a dazzling array of feathered masks, evoking the rich history and folklore of Mardi Gras. Guests danced the night away to the music of a crowd favorite, Ken Pickard and Zydeco Explosion, a band whose pirate-like appearance spanned eras, adding a theatrical flair to the evening.

The event was organized by Goosefoot Community Fund, the well-regarded landlords of the Bayview Cash Store. Upon entering, attendees were greeted with beads and could purchase drinks served in reusable cups, courtesy of rePurpose Zero Waste Center. Despite Mardi Gras’ reputation for wild revelry, this gathering was family-friendly, giving kids another opportunity to dress up outside of Halloween.

Partygoers didn’t hold back on their Mardi Gras attire. Beads were just the beginning—guests arrived dressed as voodoo figures, masked creatures, captains, wizards, and more. A costume contest offered prizes from local businesses for categories, such as Best in Show, Most Comical, Best Child Costume, and Best Mask. The Most Creative costume went to a colorfully crocheted one-piece suit, a meticulously crafted piece of fashion!

Bayview Hall’s enduring role as a community dance space remains a mainstay of Whidbey Island’s gathering spaces. Its long-standing history as a venue for festive, dance hall-style events ensures it will continue to welcome generations of islanders for years to come.