Gumbofest Sunday at The Shell Factory
It is time once again to pay homage to that roux-based dish loaded with shellfish, chicken or sausage that originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century.
The Shell Factory presents its signature event, the 15th-annual Gumbofest this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the main parking lot.
The largest crowd to date is expected to come out to work up a sweat eating the spicy goodness of crawdaddies, okra and the “holy trinity” of vegetables – celery, bell peppers, and onions.
Not only will the Shell Factory’s Capt. Fishbone Grill be making up gallons of the stuff, but many other local restaurants will be there with their interpretations, virtually guaranteeing they won’t run out.
The Lobster Lady and the Cajun Bowl will again be there, as will first-timers Cantina Del Sol, Magnolia Landing and Hogbody’s.
“With the economy picking up we’ve been doing a lot of advance advertising on it,” said Rick Tupper, CFO and marketing director. “Capt. Fishbone will make three kinds of gumbo, the Jambalayas, a volunteer group with the Shell Factory, will be making a big vat with lobster and everything.”
There will be other food for those who don’t like Gumbo, and there will be other non-food vendors with goods or services for sale.
Sam Galloway Ford is again a major sponsor, and will have several of their cars on display.
What is Gumbofest without some good Zydeco music? Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers is coming from New Orleans to headline once again, along with The Porchdogs.
There will also be a $10,000 reverse raffle, where all but one of the tickets are pulled, with the final ticket being the winner of $5,000. Tickets are $100, with only $100 being sold, and can be purchased up to the time they start picking around noon.
If zydeco isn’t your thing, there will be a Dock Dogs event at the dog park which will take place that weekend, on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
All the attractions and shops will be open, with free admission to the Nature Park for children with the purchase of an adult ticket. There will also be a special fun park package for all families, which includes a new attraction the Double Dare Climbing Pole.
All proceeds will go to the Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation, which pays for local school children to take field trips to the nature park.
Admission is free, and additional parking will be available where the bowling alley once stood.
The Shell Factory is at 2787 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. For more information, visit www.shellfactory.com .