The clouds may not part this weekend so here’s an option that will engage the whole family in a little bit different way where they can enjoy culture, history and share in creating more joyful memories.

The Victorian Tea event, which has run since 1990, invites families and friends to enjoy an “elegant afternoon tea,” according to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church — 400 E. 1st St., in Aberdeen.

The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 and are available — cash only — at both St. Andrew’s and Aberdeen Office Equipment — 322 E. 1st St.

“(The Victorian Tea) was modeled after the tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria,” said Bette Worth, a parishioner who’s been helping with the event.

Sue Marrs, another parishioner who helps with the event, showed a book of the recipes for Devonshire Cream, former table plans and more that shed light on how well prepared the Victorian Tea is.

As of noon on Tuesday, the church sold 50 tickets. The funds raised go to pay for things the church needs. While the funds used to go for children’s camp fees, a parishioner ended the need for the funds to go there when they started paying the fees. So now it helps the church itself.

“It will go into the St. Andrew’s Guild fund,” Marrs said. “We put money toward buying a new stove, buying the refrigerator. Anything that’s come up, that they’ve needed help on, the Guild has come and tried to help pay for things. The Guild has paid for all of the supplies for coffee hour for a long time.”

What’s the Victorian Tea all about?

Marrs shared a few of the historical building blocks that helped lead to this sort of event. Those blocks included traveling to the U.S., with her family from England and her mother joining the English Brides Club. She said there was a big group of English women here.

“They would meet once a month and have tea at each house,” Marrs said. “They would take turns at each house. They would make fancy teas like they were used to. I kind of grew up having ladies around with tea cups and that.”

Then she spoke about what started this event at St. Andrew’s.

“Norma Marrs was a member of the parish …” Marrs said. “She had the idea this would be a good fundraiser because we needed to raise money for kids to go to camp. They put together this tea idea. The first year it happened, we didn’t have little things for the flowers. Some people made paper baskets … it evolved. People donated and we would buy from wherever we could find bone china cups and the silver. It was quite popular. We tried to have it near Mother’s Day, not on Mother’s Day. That was something people could bring their children to, to celebrate Mother’s Day.”

Worth said there was a time when the men in the parish would be the servers for the event.

“They would wear white shirts and black pants and a black bow tie,” Worth said.

Marrs said the men made the event “very elegant,” and how they also seemed to enjoy themselves.

“We told them they couldn’t eat off the trays,” Marrs said as she, Worth and McCracken laughed. “But they did a great job for several years.”

The Victorian Tea took a long hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s back.

According to a letter that notes much of the history for the event, which respects the memory of Betty McGhee, who made the freezer jam and the lemon curd, and the late Mildred Matson, who made ceramic baskets that “looked like Irish China for the large tables and bought small clear vases for the card tables,” it’s worth it to host the event.

“There’s no doubt that it is a lot of work but it is enjoyed by so many people in the area and that’s rewarding when you are able to put your feet up at the end of the day,” the history note stated. “We’ve had a great run so far!!!”

The ladies sounded excited just days before the event. Worth shared a few of the particulars.

At the fancy affair, where you can wear your favorite hat for a chance to win a prize, volunteers will be serving tea, scones, tea sandwiches, tarts, mini quiches and cookies.

“(The spread will be) sweet and savory,” Worth said.

On Tuesday, the spread was a little sweeter as chocolate strawberries were part of the spread. The tea they served was smooth and enjoyable.

While there is no mandatory dress code, people are encouraged to dress up.

“They can wear whatever they want, feel comfortable,” Worth said. “But I think dressing up kind of lends itself to the event. It makes it special.”

While there is no limit on tickets, the volunteers need to have a head count so they know how much food and drink to prepare. Call 360-533-2511 to make reservations.

McCracken and Worth shared their favorite parts of the Victorian Tea at St. Andrew’s.

“For me, it’s the memory of bringing my mom and my mother-in-law and having my granddaughter here,” McCracken said. “Just thinking back to the fun we used to have. Just seeing the place all … it just makes you feel … for me it’s the memory of the years past.”

Worth said when the Guild decided to bring back Victorian Tea, she thought of the fun she’s had at it.

“It brought back memories of when I brought my daughter, as well as her friend,” Worth said. “It’s just an opportunity to slow down. We live in such a hectic time. Turn off those phones. Turn off those computers. Come and enjoy the moment.”

Music this weekend

Here are a few of the events coming up throughout the Harbor:

Friday, April 19

7:30 p.m. — The Big Lebowski — 7th Street Theatre — 313 7th St., in Hoquiam

Saturday, April 20

11 a.m. — Record Store Day — The Tangerine Tree (inside Past and Present Mercantile) — 114 E. Heron St., in Aberdeen

7 p.m. — Danny Reeves Memorial Crab Race Dance after party — Parking lot 2, corner of Nyhus Street North and Carstensen Street, in Westport

7:30 p.m. — The Big Lebowski — 7th Street Theatre

8 p.m. — (One Year Anniversary show) Deerswerver, Hard Money Saints, Dry County Crooks, John Prentice III — Messy Jessy’s Bar and Grill — 212 S. I St., in Aberdeen

9 p.m. — Ryan Baker (Acoustic) — The Tap Room — 103 E. Wishkah St.

9 p.m. — Jon Reynolds — ShuJack’s Bar & Grill — 326 W. Main St., in Elma

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.

Matthew N. Wells / The Daily World Bette Worth and Bobbi McCracken love the memories they’ve been able to create through the Victorian Tea at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. “It brought back memories of when I brought my daughter, as well as her friend,” Worth said. “It’s just an opportunity to slow down. We live in such a hectic time. Turn off those phones. Turn off those computers. Come and enjoy the moment.”