A bit of the Big Easy makes way to Woodbury

The Beignet Chef's
The rest of the pictures: http://www.dennisyates.com/Album2/

Monday, February 27, 2006
BY TOMMY VALUCKAS
Copyright © 2006 Republican-American
WOODBURY -- Eleanor Allen had never made jambalaya before, so she was as curious as anyone as to how the spicy Creole fare would be accepted.
"I haven't tasted it yet, but it sure smells good," the St. Paul's Episcopal Church parishioner said. "We'll find out soon."

She need not have worried as the New Orleans staple, as well as the pulled pork barbecue, corn bread and beignets, were all a hit Sunday afternoon during the first "Fat Sunday" celebration sponsored by the Woodbury People of Faith. In addition to the foods, the Mardi Gras-style event featured musical entertainment and costume parades, all bringing a touch of the Big Easy into the Woodbury Middle School cafeteria.

The primary purpose of the gala was to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. "This is to be in solidarity with New Orleans at this time," said the Rev. Craig T. McClellan, minister at North Congregational Church who was master of ceremonies, looking dapper in a black bowler and colorful boas. "The devastation has been so great. The mission must be ongoing."

The eight congregations of People of Faith will send proceeds from ticket sales to affiliated relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region. St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church, for instance, will be assisting a St. Teresa parish in New Orleans, while North Congregational will help the Biloxi Back Bay Mission in Mississippi.

"I think what's been so rewarding is that the churches have continued to cooperate" beneath the People of Faith umbrella, said J. Charlie Rutledge, co-organizer of Fat Sunday with Vincent Kennedy. Both men are parishioners of St. Teresa of Avila.

Rutledge said the concept of such an event started with the Rev. James Wheeler, rector at St. Paul's, but when its potential of being a unifying force and beneficial initiative was realized, it was turned into a townwide affair.
"We have people coming in from all over the area to help," said Kennedy.
Rutledge said they expected at least 200 people to attend over the course of three hours, but it was possible as many as 300 could show up, which would make Fat Sunday "highly successful." Advance sale tickets ranged from $8 for children and $20 for adults, to $50 for a family of four or more.
Sarah Peterson, 8, a third-grader at Mitchell Elementary School, was helping out at a make-your own-mask youth booth. She said feathers, jewelry and marking pens made for the best creations, with gold and purple being necessary colors.

First Selectman Dick Crane, resplendent in gold cape, feathery mask and a red king's crown, was parade marshal and periodically led a slithering line of costumed youngsters, who dispensed beads and replica coins, amongst the tables crowded with diners. "A lot of credit goes to the churches for doing this," he said. "It was a lot of hard work."

Rutledge said a steering committee is "reinvigorating" the People of Faith group, which next plans to host a Muslim imam, Jewish rabbi and a Christian cleric for an interdenominational program April 30.