Gumbo Fest 2016 at the Shell Factory
It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, and it’s returning to the Shell Factory this Sunday.
The 14th annual Gumbo Fest will happen from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring two great bands, wonderful deals at the Shell Factory and, of course, lots of gumbo made by the Shell Factory and other food vendors who plan to come.
Rick Tupper, CFO and marketing director at the Shell Factory, said considering the resurgence of the attraction, it should be one of the biggest ever, with at least 5,000 expected to attend.
The headline performers will be Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers from New Orleans, with the Porchdogs opening for them. Michael Banks will also perform his brand of Motown at Dogbones from 3 to 6 p.m.
The Shell Factory won’t be the only ones making Gumbo, as seven other vendors will put stakes in the ground for the day. The Lobster Lady, Cajun Bowl, Beef Depot and Taquizza will be among those selling food, with or without gumbo.
“The Lobster Lady makes an unbelievable lobster roll. Beef Depot will have pulled pork, so there will be festival food for people who don’t like gumbo,” Tupper said.
But the star of the show will be the gumbo, a heavily flavored Cajun-style stew.
The Shell Factory will make chicken and seafood gumbo, which they have made for years, and other vendors should have it as well.
There also will be specials. Dog jumping is expected to be on the slate. The Shell Factory is offering a Family Fun package for the first time to help promote this as a family event, Tupper said. There will also be free admission for kids at the Nature Park with a paid adult admission, and the stores will be open.
Sam Galloway Ford is again sponsoring the event, which has free admission and parking. They also will have some vehicles on display, and numerous other vendors will be there as well.
“We’ve taken our vendor group from 15 to about 40. There will be a bigger group for people to shop with. I think it will be a great event,” Tupper said. “There will also be a Goldenfest group with some animals they rescued from Korea ready for adoption.”
For more information, call the Shell Factory at 239-995-2141 or go to www.shellfactory.com. The Shell Factory is at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers.