Thousands attend annual Gumbo Fest at Shell Factory

By CHUCK BALLARO news@breezenewspapers com

The Shell Factory & Nature Park needs one thing more than anything: To rebuild the nature park hardhit by Hurricane Ian

And under clear skies and warm temperatures the 21st annual edition of Gumbo Fest the attraction s largest fundraiser and homage to Cajun food and zydeco music was another huge success, with thousands coming in to enjoy food drink and good times

This year’s version is perhaps the most important in the event s history considering how devastated the nature park was following the near Category 5 storm

This fundraiser is something we need more than we have in 21 years because of our lovely Ian We want to have a good time and raise a little money to get those habitats rebuilt ” said Pam Cronin owner of the Shell Factory

More than a half-dozen vendors as well as the Southern Grill sold plenty of gumbo and other Cajun classics including boils jambalaya po boys and much more Cronin said she went a little heavier than usual with the trucks, since many businesses have struggled since the storm Cajun Gringos came and served a long line of customers that is until they ran out of food around 3:30 p m Owner Shawn Dumas was happy with the response

“We brought a little Cajun food to stir up business

We had a great day today The people were friendly the music was awesome and we want to come back next year, said Dumas, who had attended before as a customer, but not a vendor

As for the gumbo it got great reviews no matter who was dishing it up Cherie Zundel of North Fort Myers who has attended Gumbo Fest for a few years had the Caribbean seafood gumbo

The lines have been real long today This is the first gumbo I ve tried I love it I wish they would hold this over two days ” Zundel said “The music is the best part I’ll do that once I have the voodoo punch ”

Many came for the gumbo Some came for the music There was plenty to dance about as The P o r c h y n e D o p s e y & a n d Z y d e c o

CHUCK BALLARO

To p p h o t o , f r o m l e f t , B r o o k e a n d J e n

McBreairty enjoy some gumbo with their friends Linda and Amanda Thompson at the 21st annual Gumbo Fest at the Shell Factory on Sunday Above, is a bowl of seafood gumbo at the Gumbo Fest

Hellraisers provided the high-energy, upbeat music

Dopsey said Gumbo Fest has a taste of home every time he comes and adds the music makes everyone feel good

“The atmosphere and the people here are so good and I love coming back Dopsey said The music is happy Nothing is going to bring your spirits down and lifts you up and makes you shake a foot Andy Burr of the Porchdogs said he loves coming back every year because of how they are treated by fans and the Shell Factory He loves how people react to their music

It s feel-good music, even the said songs and waltzes are high-energy It s also a very good niche Everybody plays Top 40 and classic rock ” Burr said

Pine Island Potters’ Guild Valentine’s Day Show Saturday at Koucky Studios

Be ready for Valentine s Day with a gift of local art!

The Pine Island Potters Guild's February showing will be held Saturday Feb 11 at Koucky Studios from 10 a m to 2 p m Avoid off-island traffic and come to the show in the outdoor courtyard of Koucky Studios (there is ample parking)

Visitors can meet island artists and craftsmen and find perfect gifts for your sweethearts

At 11 a m , check out the raku pottery firing demonstration, featuring the horse-hair technique of pottery decoration Chuck Koucky and some of his pottery students will be demonstrating this method for creating random lines and patterns on the surface of a red-hot raku clay pot using the hair from a tail or mane of a horse

All works by participating artists will be available for purchase This small venue provides a welcoming environment to meet local artists inquire about their craft and learn about opportunities in our area for classes and workshops

The Pine Island Potters Guild shows are held on the second Saturday of each month November through April from 10 a m to 2 p m , in the courtyard of Koucky Studios, located at 5971 Bay Point Road in Bokeelia, at the corner of Bay Point and Stringfellow Roads just after Mile Marker 11 on the east side of Stringfellow

For more information about the Potters Guild Valentine's Day Show and Sale, please call Nancy at 239233-3003 or email her at nrkdesigns@gmail com ping and dining opportunity ” Tate said

Catch the Vision breaks down what’s on the horizon in one of the fastest-growing cities in the U S including details on the developers, job creation, and opportunities for residents

Attendees also will take home a resource guide that includes directories, flood zone maps, Waste Pro information and much more

“It will also feature the list of projects coming to Cape Coral ” Tate added “Job opportunities are abound with each new development after construction

Tickets to Catch the Vision are $20, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Cape Coral Caring Center Vendor spaces are still available (email catchthevisioncc@gmail com)

For tickets, additional information or to become a vendor, visit www catchthevisioncapecoral com

Cape Christian Fellowship is at 2110 Chiquita Blvd