Cajun-style fundraiser

The smell of shrimp wafted through the Ellen Noël Art Museum on Monday as part of the media preview day for the annual Shrimpfest fundraiser set for Feb. 22.

This is our 24th Shrimpfest fundraising event, Executive Director Marilyn Bassinger said. Its a terrific way to pay the bills for us and a delightful time to get together with friends and taste some of the best shrimp.

Tickets are on sale at $35 per person, and sponsor tables are available at $1,200, $3,000 and $5,000 levels. Two free tickets will be given away at a special reception at 7 p.m. Thursday as part of the Benito Huerta exhibit.

Gabe Grewell with the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang said he expects to use roughly 1,500 pounds of shrimp through the event, the cooking of which takes two full days and 25 cooks on his team.

"I've been blessed getting involved three years ago," he said. "Theres lots of camaraderie as a cooking team."

Shrimpfest chairwoman Gerri Lu Harris said a silent auction will offer up items such as trips, airline tickets and paintings from local artists.

And Bassinger said one past tradition is coming back.

"We will again have special aprons painted by area artists," she said.

This years event will have music by the Main Stream Jazz Quartet to go along with the all-you-can-eat shrimp feast.

There will also be chances offered at a diamond-encrusted gold ring valued at $2,400 during the evening as well.

"Its a good chance to have fun and show support for the museum," Bassinger said.

IF YOU GO

>> What: Annual Shrimpfest fundraiser for Ellen Noël Art Museum.

>> Food: Cooked by Odessa Chuck Wagon gang.

>> When: 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

>> Where: Ector County Coliseum Building G, 42nd Street and Andrews Highway.

>> Tickets: $35, with sponsorships starting at $1,200.

>> Call: 550-9696.