Press Release -
The Mardi Gras Benicia Committee has reluctantly decided to postpone the 15th annual Gold & Gumbo Festival and Parade until spring of 2009.
The Gold & Gumbo Festival, which blends New Orleans flamboyance with California spirit, has grown into a day of entertainment, creativity and celebration for the whole community. The Board of Directors decided that the Committee should take a break to build new leadership, explore new partnerships and seek further sponsors for the 2009 Gold & Gumbo Festival.
In addition, the Committee has been saddened by the recent death of Mardi Gras Benicia President Darlia Wright, who embodied the spirit, creativity and energy that is the hallmark of the Gold & Gumbo Festival.
The organizing Committee apologizes to those revelers who were planning to participate for any inconvenience this may cause and we encourage you to stay engaged by participating in the planning for the next parade and festival.
Individuals who are interested in working on the Committee are invited to our next meeting, which is scheduled for March 12. For details, contact Mark Sandoval at 707-980-3581 (cell), sandovalmark@yahoo.com. Further opportunities to participate in the Gold & Gumbo Festival will be available in May when new officers will be elected. The Gold & Gumbo Planning Committee looks forward to organizing and bringing another quality event to our community next year.