HOUSTON – It’s easy to fall in love with The Big Easy, but if that box of Zatarain’s® sitting the pantry isn’t enough to satisfy your craving for down-home Cajun cooking, head on over to Market Square Park in downtown Houston’s Historic District where you’ll not only find some of the best gumbo this side of the Texas-Louisiana border, but also an abundance of craft beer and funky music that will have you saying “Laissez les bons temps rouler” before the night is over!
The fun begins on Saturday, March 1 from 4 – 8:30 p.m. as Saint Arnold Brewing Company and the Downtown District partner to bring this first time event to the historic neighborhood park. The smells and sounds of New Orleans will permeate the grounds as gumbo teams’ slice and spice their creations throughout the afternoon, all competing for the coveted distinction of “Best Gumbo in H-Town.” The public is invited to taste these decadent creations from 4 – 6 p.m. with judging and awards to follow immediately afterwards.
“Mardi Gras has such a rich tradition in the South and we wanted to give Houstonians a chance to enjoy that festive atmosphere without having to drive to Galveston or New Orleans,” says Downtown District’s marketing director Angie Bertinot. “We’ve created a touchstone Mardi Gras celebration that is sure to be a yearly tradition here in Downtown’s Historic District, plus it’s a great opportunity to work with one of our favorite partners, Saint Arnold Brewing Company.”
As an added bonus, attendees also will experience a true treat straight from the streets of the Crescent City as New Orleans’ ultimate party band, The Hustlers Brass Band take center stage from 5 – 6 p.m. Since 2005, the band has continued to kick parties up a notch with their blend of R&B, Funk, Gospel Traditional Jazz, Zydeco, Latin and Be-Bop! Keeping the party going from 7 – 8:30 p.m. will be tunes from T-Bird and the Breaks –offering an eclectic mix of funk and jazz grooves that will have everyone swaying and dancing all night long!
Rounding out the celebrations that evening at the park will be an impromptu drive-about by Houston’s illuminated Art Carsas they make their way around Market Square Park. But don’t go home, the night will just be getting started as the festivities kick into high gear at the surrounding bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.
This event is free and open to the public. If you’d like more information on how to compete in the Gumbo Showdown, please visit www.marketsquarepark.com/calendar/ for the rules and entry form. First place is $500 hard cold cash and a case of Saint Arnold beer!
Market Square Park is open daily from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are welcome; food, beer and wine are available for purchase at Niko Niko’s. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages, please. Metered on-street parking is available and free after 6 p.m. $5 parking is available across the street at Market Square Garage. 301 Milam. MarketSquarePark.com. Visit Market Square Park on Facebook and Twitter for info on special deals and happenings at the neighborhood’s wide-ranging dining and bar scene associated with the park’s events.
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About the Downtown District
The Houston Downtown Management District was formed in 1995 for the purpose of revitalizing the urban core of the country’s fourth largest city. Over the past decade, the Downtown District has used a combination of public funds and private resources to catalyze area improvements focusing on the city blocks bordered by Interstate 10, Highway 59, and Interstate 45. Since the Downtown District began operating in 1996, Downtown Houston has seen more than $6 billion of construction completed in over 135 public and private projects, the creation of 3.2 million square feet of new Class A office space, $500 million of infrastructure improvements, 3,280 new hotel rooms spanning 12 different projects, and a 250% increase in the population of permanent residents. For more information on what’s happening downtown, visit www.downtownhouston.org or www.downtowndistrict.org
