Get ready for gumbo!
What makes a great gumbo?
“Definitely the freshness of the ingredients, and a step-by-step recipe where you can bring out all the flavors,” said local chef Michael Marcantonia.
He heads the kitchen at the Shell Factory’s Capt’n Fishbones Restaurant, which will be a part of the 9th Annual Gumbo Fest this Sunday.
The event benefits environmental education, specifically the Shell Factory’s Nature Park Environmental Education Foundation.
“It’s our largest fund-raiser of the year,” said the Shell Factory’s Pamela J. Cronin. “It’s really important, particularly this year, as local school principals have limited budgets.”
Proceeds, she said, will pay for bus transportation for field trips to the Nature Center so students can learn about plants and animals among other endeavors.
“The purpose of the foundation is to raise funds for environmental education programs,” said Catherine Ricci, controller for the Shell Factory. “This allows the public to experience and learn about different plants and wildlife found within the various ecosystems throughout the world – a special emphasis is classrooms and field trips and ecosystems unique to Florida.”
The foundation creates a variety of outreach opportunities to be offered at local schools, adult groups and organizations, and was formed in 2004, she added.
“By working with small groups of children, we can instill the belief that individuals can make a difference,” she said.
Highlights of the event will include live themed entertainment and, of course, a New Orleans-style Gumbo Cook-Off where many local restaurants will compete. They will be judged in several categories, including People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice and Best New Orleans-style Booth.
Gates open at 11 a.m. and the cost is $6 for adults and children 12 and under free. Coupons for $1 off are available prior to the event at The Shell Factory & Nature Park.
Entertainment includes the popular local band The Yard Dogs, along with Cracker Blues and Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys. The Playboys are a Zydeco Band from Louisiana, and Ledet is known as “the Zydeco Sweetheart.”
“Rosie has carved out a unique spot in the Zydeco pantheon,” said Cronin. “She is one of a handful of female accordionists. Singing in both Creole, French and English, Rosie is known for her songwriting ability, as well as her bluesy, sexy singing voice. In fact, her music has often been described as ‘blues with an accordion.”
There will also be children’s activities, including a bounce house, slide and lots of beads.
“This event is so much fun,” Cronin continued. “It’s a spicy, foot-stomping good time. Great food and great music.”
The Shell Factory is located at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers. For information, call 995-2141 or 800-282-5805.