WOONSOCKET - For the past two decades, party goers have flocked to Woonsocket once a year to celebrate Fat Tuesday in style with food, music, costumes and the crowning of a queen.
In 2014, the revelers will take a moment amid the colorful masks, beads and pageantry, to remember one woman who helped to carry on the tradition, and her role in reviving a festival that was nearly forgotten.
The "Mardi Gras of the North," as it was once known, was first held in Woonsocket during the 1950s. Sponsored by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the celebration lasted four days, and included a parade and multiple sites for the "Grand Balls."
The modern version, sponsored by Northern Rhode Island Council for the Arts, has more modest expectations, with just a single night of revelry, food and live music.
But the tradition just may have disappeared entirely if it wasn't for the work of volunteers, including the late Phyllis Thomas, and other dedicated supporters of the arts, who resurrected it in the 1990s.
Already, the city is alive with preparation as games, promotions and contests lead up to the big day.
First, there are the would-be queens: a group of five lovely ladies vying for the royal title in 2014 through the sale of raffle tickets. Brittney Croteau, Carla Faria, Amanda Girard, Sheylon Lawson and Debbie Wesley Pitochelli are selling the $1 tickets, which will be entered into a drawing on the night of Mardi Gras. In addition to a queen - the lucky lady who sells the most tickets - two runner-up princesses will also preside over the Feb. 22 ball.
First prize in the drawing will be $300; second prize is tickets for two to three shows at the Stadium Theatre; third prize is a gift certificate for Pilgrim House Inn in Newport; and fourth prize is a $50 gift certificate to River Falls Restaurant in Woonsocket. Proceeds from the ticket sales help offset expenses for the Mardi Gras celebration.
On Feb. 16, NRICA will hold a Queen Coronation ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs hall at 1 p.m.
There's also the King Jace contest, a friendly annual competition to identify a "mystery monarch," who will be unmasked at the ball. Dave Richards of WOON Radio organizes the yearly game and has released 10 clues about the identity of King Jace XX.
The king:
1. Has more in common with Prince Charles than most kings.
2. Plays the game with fifty-one.
3. Has been a president and a chairman.
4. Is "ram" tough.
5. Has royalty in his family.
6. Watches the dollars and cents.
7. Frequently sees double.
8. Is torn between two countries.
9. His favorite season is autumn.
10. Occupies two houses.
The Children's Mardi Gras Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the same day as the adult ball. The event is free for kids in grades kindergarten through 4 and includes a costume party and parade, along with entertainment by Linda Trudeau and prizes for best costumes. Chef Gary McLaughlin will provide macaroni and cheese, cookies, popcorn, and beverage for the young guests.
It all leads up to the big event Saturday night, when doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the former church building at 84 Cumberland St. The entertainment begins with country music by Jeff Gamache and Runaway Train.
For the adults, McLaughlin will lay out a full Cajun buffet from 6 to 8 p.m. including New Orleans style crawfish, Creole chicken and Cajun porketta, plus Bourbon Street pudding for dessert. Guests will dance the night away with the return of the evening's second act: local zydeco band Slippery Sneakers. Organizers will hand out prizes for the best costumes and the fun will continue until 11:30 p.m.
It's all made possible with the help of volunteers from NRICA, a local organization that aims to upgrade community life through the arts.
"A lot of people that belong have the same mission of keeping our culture alive," said Berthiuame.
Thomas, a founding member of NRICA passed away last August after many years of working to preserve and promote beauty, culture and art in her hometown. Thomas was president of the Woonsocket Garden Club and Woonsocket Beautification Committee, and founder of the Animal Protective Association of Woonsocket. She fought for the preservation of parks and conservation areas as a member of the Woonsocket Conservation Commission and directed the Woonsocket Historical and Preservation Society. Thomas belonged to the Woonsocket Opera House Society, which later became the NRICA. She served on the Board of Directors, and as treasurer of the organization for many years.
When NRICA was founded, the city's Mardi Gras events, once a proud and vibrant celebration, had long disappeared.
"They decided to revive the idea of Mardi Gras and it's been going on since," said Berthiuame.
At the 20th annual event, Thomas will be honored during a brief ceremony between the two musical acts, and a plaque will be presented to members of her family.
"I think it's important a community preserve its culture and history," said Berthiuame. "In these tough economic times a tradition like Mardi Gras is especially important because people need an escape and a chance to just have a good time."
Tickets for Mardi Gras 2014 can be purchased by calling Lorraine Cloutier at 401-762-9072. Advance tickets are $30, with limited tickets available at the door for $35. For more information, visit www.nrica.org .
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