MORGANTOWN — Purple, green and gold filled 123 Pleasant Street on Thursday evening as West Virginia Public Theatre hosted its annual Morgantown Mardi Gras fundraiser.
Presented by Hope Gas, the event brought the musical and culinary flavors of New Orleans to downtown Morgantown. Guests donned beads and masks while enjoying live performances from Matt’s Blues and the Appalachian Paradise Brass Band, along with New Orleans-inspired cuisine catered by Madeline Marie. Signature drinks and plenty of space to dance added to the festive atmosphere.
The growing event serves as a signature fundraiser for WVPT, a nonprofit professional theatre dedicated to enhancing the cultural environment of the region through quality programming and educational outreach. Recognized as the largest performing arts provider for children in West Virginia, the theatre reaches thousands of students annually — often providing their first experience with live professional theatre.
For Artistic Director Jerry McGonigle, the night is about both celebration and connection.
“We’ve been trying to find a signature event that raises money but also lets everybody have a really good time,” McGonigle said. “I think we found it. It’s bigger than last year, and it keeps us present with the community while giving them a different kind of fun than we usually offer at the theatre.”
As music echoed through the venue and guests filled the space, the evening proved that supporting the arts can be as lively as it is meaningful.
