The Legend of Roux-Dolph Immersive Experience

Hi! My name is Kelly Airhart. I am the creator of Roux-Dolph the Gumbo Pot.

I like to tell people I am a mom, author, and artist --trying to change the world one act of kindness at a time.

One day, I was scrolling through a watercolor Facebook Group that I enjoyed, and everyone was painting these lovely winter wonderland landscapes for their family Christmas cards. I thought to myself, “Oh how fun! I’d love to paint something for a Christmas card too!”

Well, I must have been hungry, because before I knew it I had doodled out a little goofy gumbo pot with a red nose and named him “Roux-Dolph.” It was perfect. I love a good Christmas gumbo, and my son loved the Reindeer Rudolph.

I shared Roux-Dolph with my friends and they adored him. Someone suggested I put him on t-shirts and I sold a few t-shirts. But then someone suggested I put him on tea-towels, and he just took off! I have sold thousands of Roux-Dolph tea-towels all over the United States (and a few have even traveled to other countries!) Never underestimate the power of a good tea-towel!

I always love to see people’s reactions when they first see my silly little gumbo pot. I am so thankful “Roux-Dolph” is able to bring great joy to so many, and I am super excited to share my creations with you and your family. May Roux-Dolph become a warm and happy tradition for many holiday seasons to come. And may the love of Christmas live in all of our hearts forever.

*Photo credits to Mala Bernard Photography

My Dream

I have personally seen Roux-Dolph the Gumbo Pot bring joy to so many, and I would love to share this joy with even more people in years to come. I often joke that I would like Roux-Dolph to become the "Blue Dog" of Christmas or the "Mickey Mouse of the South." I think there is a lot of potential in this little gumbo pot! I would love to see him become a household name and the center of new holiday traditions!

In the fall of 2023 Pelican Publishing will be releasing my children's book, "The Legend of Roux-Dolph the Gumbo Pot! This is super exciting for me as it will be my first published children's book! I am so honored to work with the Publishing Company that brought us one of MY favorite Christmas stories, "The Cajun Night Before Christmas!"

What I would like to do is open a "Legend of Roux-Dolph" Immersive Holiday Experience to coincide with the release of the new book! This is where I need your help!

I will need help with the costs of projectors, software, a new laptop, space, theming, and furniture for seating.

And this is just the beginning! With a successful foundation, we would like to build up Roux-Dolph and his friends to the point where we can someday open a family-owned Theme Park that Louisiana can be proud of.