The Wimberley Cajun Cookoff Alliance will hold the fifth-annual GumboFest this weekend — a celebration of Cajun food, culture, music and heritage.
GumboFest will take place on Saturday, April 22 at the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole. The event will benefit Wimberley nonprofit My Neighbors Keeper and its founder, Tom Keyser, who died in a car accident in 2022. Keyser had founded the organization in 2011 after witnessing the hardships victims faced by the Bastrop County wildfire that burned 32,000 acres, destroyed over 1,600 homes and killed two people.
My Neighbors Keeper comes to the immediate aid of Wimberley residents who have been victims of fire, flooding and other natural events. It provides monetary assistance for hotels, prescriptions, clothing and other immediate needs while insurance claims are sorted out.
Wimberley’s GumboFest traces its roots back to 1983 when the first competition was won by retired restaurateur Linda Allen. Since 2019, GumboFest, under the guidance of the Wimberley Cajun Cultural Alliance, has raised more than $25,000 for non-profit organizations in need. Their fundraising has furthered the causes of Trees for the Blanco, Katherine Anne Porter School, My Neighbors Keeper and Barnabas Connection.
Kristina Sandifer, one of GumboFest’s organizers, said the event is now a family endeavor.
“GumboFest was originally begun by My Neighbors Keeper as a fundraiser. We took it on when, as a group, they weren’t able to do so,” she said. “This is the fifth year we’ve been able to raise money for deserving causes in our town – up to $10,000 in a five-hour span. We’re proud to be able to give back.”
Calling it fun with a purpose, she continued, “This year’s event is to honor Tom. It personally means a lot to me to help further Tom’s efforts through our donation.”
Twelve to 15 teams will compete for a $500 first prize. The festival begins at noon and in addition to gumbo sampling, ticket holders can hear live zydeco music by Chasons et Soulards, a band who specializes in the French dancehall music of southern Louisiana. There will be a silent auction, raffles, vendors and dedicated activities for children. One of the silent auction items is a high-end crystal deer antler. Items to be raffled are a deer blind, a wheelbarrow filled with spirits, and a handmade knife and scabbard.
Besides gumbo samples, the VFW Auxiliary will offer kid-friendly food. Additional Cajun food can be purchased from a specialty food truck brought in for the event. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also available. Gumbo samples are first come, first served.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at wimberleygumbofest. com or at the door. An ATM will be available for cash purchases.
Sponsors for the event are Ozona Bank, Byron Eckols State Farm, Treaty Oak, Waterloo Gin, Shiner, Wimberley Ace Hardware, Knights of Columbus, Cragg’s Lumber, Intertech Commercial Flooring, Drink Weird and Wimberley Festival Company.
Guests may bring lawn chairs, although some tables and chairs will be provided. Parking is at 1 Woodcreek Circle. Guests can board a shuttle or walk to the festival site on their own.
For more information about My Neighbors Keeper, visit their page on Facebook.
