In 1605, Guy Fawkes and other co-conspirators somehow managed to sneak 36 barrels of gunpowder into the English House of Parliament in an attempt to blow it up to protest the rule of King James (the king of England, not LeBron James and the Miami Heat). Unlike this country, where you can find guns at any Walmart between the bike and cereal aisles, it’s a challenge to get weapons in England, and Guy Fawkes and his crew were almost immediately arrested, tortured and executed.

Since 1606, to commemorate the event, folks in Great Britain and then the United States have been burning something, like bonfires or effigies of Guy Fawkes, and basically turning a foiled act of terrorism into an excuse for a beach party.

Enter the Misquamicut Business Association’s 15th annual Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night. On the evening of Saturday, October 12, at the Andrea Hotel, the Misquamicut Players will perform a comedic re-enactment of the plot, trial and execution of the infamous goateed rapscallion. There is also music, performed by the King Crimson’s Jesters who will incorporate songs by the Moody Blues, Kinks and Al Stewart into the story, tongue inserted securely into cheek. There will be food and drinks on the beach, along with the all-important bonfire.

Before all you English history scholars travel down to Westerly looking for a faithful retelling of the tale, the whole thing is campy, heavily borrowed from old Monty Python sketches, and not very well rehearsed. The intent, it seems, is for everyone to have a great night welcoming in autumn with some fun performances and a bonfire beach party. Best of all, it is free.

Head out expecting more an homage to Monty Python at the Hollywood Bowl and less Westerly’s better known Shakespeare in the Park. In the group’s own words, “There is bad acting, so-so music and the large bonfire. The whole family is invited to step back in time and enjoy this magical evening. 2013 celebrates the 408th anniversary (and Misquamicut’s 16th!) of this event!” Sounds like a unique night of free family fun. For more info, check out the Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night on Facebook .