Zydeco Festival brings Louisiana to Fremont
The festival promises to bring a blend of Cajun food and Zydeco dance to Fremont this Saturday.
August 14, 2014
On Saturday beginning at 10 a.m., the East Bay Regional Park District will be present at the 18th annual Cajun Zydeco Festival at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. The event will feature Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing, food booths with Cajun and Creole dishes and more.
The term ‘Cajun’ stems from the original name Acadian-Creole, and refers to those whose ancestors established a solid community in the late 1700s in mostly Louisiana and Maine. Of French Catholic descent, ‘Cajun’ originally came to America after being driven out of Acadia, a former colony of France.
Another aspect of the event will include Zydeco dancing. This style of dance, which has its origins in the early 20th century, came from the French-speaking Creole people of southwest Louisiana. It is described as high-energy and involves subtle weight shifts and partner dancing. The Cajun Zydeco Festival will offer dance lessons to help those eager to learn to get involved in the action.
The festival will offer many food options. Traditional Cajun dishes include Boudin, a sausage made from pork, rice, green onions and other spices, and Jambalaya, a dish cooked with meat, rice, spices, and sometimes seafood. There will be local vendor booths and food and drink stops to refuel at.
In addition to the Zydeco dancing, many Cajun music acts will be on-site to perform live. This year’s main attraction is Grammy-nominated group Lisa Haley & the Zydekats.
Also featuring artists like T’ Monde, the Zydeco Flames, and Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, the festival will provide hours of entertainment at the Ardenwood Historic Farm.
The farm itself will also be offering its own list of attractions ranging from farm animals, organic produce, and the Patterson House Museum, 16 room Victorian mansion located on the property.
Tickets are $24 for adults, $7 youth ages four to 15, and free for children three and under and can be purchased on the day of the event at the gate. No one will be admitted after 6 p.m., as the event ends at 7 p.m. Parking is also free.
