Gumbo Ya Ya Returning To Spice Up The District
Time to stir up the Gumbo again.
Gumbo Ya Ya, Mardi Gras in The District, returns to downtown Rock Island Saturday, June 10, bringing the atmosphere of New Orleans to the Quad-Cities for its 25th consecutive year.
A variety of New Orleans style music will be performed over the weekend including zydeco, blues, and more. Louisiana style food will also be available through various vendors and a “French Quarter” marketplace will offer gifts and novelty items. Over 500 pounds of beads will be thrown to the masses by everyone from cajun cooks to musicians to people dressed as vampires.
The cost to get in is $9 for a one-night ticket and $14 for a two-night ticket, with kids 12-and-under getting in free. The gig starts at 5 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday and ends at 12:30 a.m. both nights.
Food vendors heighten the atmosphere serving gumbo, beignet sticks, jambalaya, and lemonade. For those looking for a different flavor festival. Thai and Greek options will also be available. A variety of craft and merchandise vendors will give the feel of the “French Quarter Marketplace” with items including handmade jewelry, ethnic clothing, incense, novelty items, and festival merchandise. Official Gumbo Ya Ya t-shirts will be on sale for $20; along with other Mardi Gras gear.
Gumbo Ya Ya is presented by The District, and sponsored by Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, Holiday Inn Rock Island, WHBF, Dispatch / Argus, Rexroat Sound, Dphilms, River Cities Reader, Hi-Nee Huts, B & B Draintech, 101.3 KISS FM, ALT 104.5, and, of course, your pals at www.QuadCities.com.
For more information, call (309) 788-6311 or visit www.gumboyayafestival.com and www.ridistrict.com.
