Mardi Gras in New Jersey: Enjoy traditional King Cakes

AUGUSTA, NJ (01/15/2013)(readMedia)-- Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is Tuesday, February 12 and there is still time to organize your local celebration. Michael Arnone, Louisiana native and Creator/Producer of the 24th Annual Crawfish Fest in Sussex County (scheduled for May 31, June 1and 2), advises New Jersey residents, "You don't have to leave home to celebrate Mardi Gras! Essential ingredients include a King Cake, beads and traditional Jambalaya, which are all available on line."

Arnone's favorite resources for King Cakes and Mardi Gras Beads include Haydel's Bakery or Gambino's Bakery. When you order Michael's Jambalaya Mix from the Crawfish Fest Online Store you will enjoy the same taste that Arnone creates from scratch at the Crawfish Fest.

Historically, King Cake is a simple dough ring with a small amount of decoration. Bakers insert a tiny baby (made of plastic, porcelain or even gold) into the cake and whoever receives the cake slice with the baby has to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. Today, King Cakes still include a tiny baby and the cakes are more festive. The top of the oval, rich Danish dough is covered with sweet sugar toppings in traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold; often, the cake isoften filled.

New this year is Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fest Food and Trade Expo, a showcase of Louisiana products and services. Some products are available now or soon will be available in New Jersey stores. Visitors will enjoy a free sample of delicious Louisiana products that are new to this region; they will know to ask for them at stores where they shop. This showcase is an opportunity for Louisiana-based companies to reach Crawfish Fest fans who are passionate about Louisiana food and products at our venue. Brands can mix business and pleasure to entertain their brokers, distributors and guests. The Food and Trade Expo will be held simultaneously during the festival in the open aired Mini-Pavilions at the Crawfish Fest. Paid Festival Admission allows guests to enter the Expo Area. An online CFF Food and Trade Expo booth rental application will be available online at www.crawfishfest.com

Three-time Grammy winning artist, Aaron Neville headlines this year's impressive lineup at Michael Arnone's 24th Annual Crawfish Fest. Neville, the owner of four platinum certified records, will be touring behind the strength of his newest album, set to be released on January 22, My True Story. Charles Neville will be featured in Aaron Neville's Quintet. This year's Saturday night headliner is the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars, including a special treat for folks outside of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Monk Boudreaux. Much like in 2011 when the Radiators played Crawfish Fest on their farewell tour, New Orleans funk stalwarts, Papa Grows Funk, will make this year's Crawfish Fest one of their last stops in their illustrious 13-year career before they take a long break after CFF.

R&B and Blues fans will have a full plate with artists Tab Benoit, Mia Borders, Joe Krown Trio featuring Walter Wolfman "Washington", Davell Crawford and three sets from Jumpin' Johnny Sansone. Rock-n-rollers Cowboy Mouth are back, and headlining the Jager Pavilion on Sunday is the electrifying Anders Osborne. Two great acts making their Crawfish Fest debut are swing bands Gas House Gorillas and Davina and the Vagabonds. Funk kings Big Sam's Funky Nation return to Crawfish Fest this year as does the funky R&B review, Brother Josephus and the Love Revolution. The Alexis P. Suter Band will open the Main Stage on Sunday morning with a Gospel Set that will "take you to church". Following free dance lessons at 11:00 am each day in the News 12 NJ Dance Hall is a full slate of dynamic Cajun and Zydeco acts like Rosie Ledet, Wayne Singleton and the Same 'Ol Two Step, Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys and Jesse Lege and Bayou Brew. The Soul Rebels take charge of this year's brass band slot.

A special treat for our campers and King Crawfish Krewe ticket holders are eight sets of music at on Friday and Saturday nights, lead by Cyril Neville and Devon Allman in the acclaimed Royal Southern Brotherhood, Los Angeles funk band Orgone, Eden Brent and the recently formed band by Radiators guitarist Camile Boudin & Living Rumors. After the wild success of last year's musician workshops on the Kids Stage, they are back again featuring workshops by Anders Osborne, John Gros, Johnny Sansone and Wayne Singleton. This is one of the best lineups Michael Arnone has ever assembled, helping turn this year's fest into a "can't miss" event.

Michael Arnone's 24th Annual Crawfish Fest will be held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, in Augusta, NJ on May 31, June 1 and 2. For more info or to purchase Single Saturday/Sunday, 3 day Camping Tickets and RV Hookups, visit www.crawfishfest.com You will also find links to the Crawfish Fest iPhone and Droid Apps.

Event sponsors include Bud Light, News 12 New Jersey, Jägermeister, American Harvest Organic Spirit, Cajuncountry.org, WFDU-FM, WNTI,-FM,, Crystal Hot Sauce, DonQ Rum, Black Beard Spiced Rum, Holiday Inn, State Shuttle, Inc, 84RV.com, Mistworks.net. and Suburban Camping Company.

Posted Tuesday January 15, 2013 at 12:22 pm by Michael Arnone's Crawfish Fest
Last Updated Tuesday January 15, 2013 at 12:18 pm