Crawfish Fest returns to Rockwall Harbor April 23

TICKETS: http://bit.ly/2lXNjd5

(Rockwall, TX – March 14, 2017) Mudbug season is in full swing and that can only mean one thing – time for the All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Fest at the Rockwall Harbor, benefiting J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s Angel Camp for children with special needs.

The annual fundraising event, presented by Dodie’s Cajun Diner, sells out each year as hundreds gather on the eastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard to enjoy mudbugs, music, and merriment for a good cause.

Last year, the record-setting turnout helped raise more than $5,000, allowing area kids with special needs to participate in the Y’s summer day camp program at no cost to the families. Dodie’s dished out more than 2,300 pounds of crawfish at the event.

This year’s festivities will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday, April 23. The Big Daddy Band will take the stage at noon and play until the party ends at 4. There will be steaming platters of fresh crawfish, corn and potatoes – served up alongside mouthwatering red beans and rice and jambalaya.

“The crowd and the crawfish are expected to be bigger and better than ever,” said Dan Keils, Dodie’s General Manager. “Our Mudbug mascot will make a special appearance, and there will be plenty of raffle prizes and giveaways to round out a day of fun on the patio with friends and family.”

Mike McRae and Gabe Nicolella, Dodie’s co-owners, introduced the Crawfish Fest in 2013 as a way to celebrate crawfish season while supporting the local community. This will be the fourth year that the Crawfish Fest has benefited Angel Camp.

“We are grateful to Dodie’s and the community for supporting our kids. The Angel Camp program creates an environment that allows young folks to explore and enjoy new experiences like sailing, swimming, archery, riflery, and horseback riding – with the support that their special needs require,” said Bonnie LaVielle, Executive Director of the Rockwall Y. Angel Camp runs for six one-week sessions throughout the summer. To learn more, contact LaVielle or Angel Camp Director Melissa Cotner at 972-772-9622.

Crawfish Fest tickets are limited and on sale now for $35/adults; $15/kids ages 6-12 (under age 6 admitted free). Dodie’s homemade mac and cheese and corn dogs will be available for kiddos who prefer not to partake of the all-you-can-eat crawfish.