Between pursuing a Master of Business Administration, writing a new book, and lining up speaking engagements, Alisha Gaddis is staying busy. But this week, Gaddis — one half of the Grammy-winning Latin music duo Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band — is taking a break from work to visit her hometown and serve as the grand marshal of the West Side Nut Club’s Fall Festival Parade on Oct. 10. Ahead of her arrival from California, she spoke with Evansville Living about what she’s most looking forward to during her first trip home in three years.
“I’m bringing my daughter and getting to experience Evansville as a real homecoming,” says Gaddis, a 1999 graduate of F.J. Reitz High School. “We’ll spend time with family and friends, take in the Fall Festival, and let her experience this place that shaped so much of who I am.”
Answers condensed and edited for clarity.
Who are you most excited to see after three years away from Evansville?
My girlfriends! I am so honored to have stayed friends with these ladies for over 35 years now, from being kids to having kids! I’m really hoping to see them and their families and have some real time together. And, obviously, there needs to be a Donut Bank and G.D. Ritzy’s situation. Preferably more than once. I have priorities.
What is your favorite Fall Festival booth or food?
Growing up, my church had a booth selling homemade fudge to raise money for our big winter youth retreat to Colorado. I have such vivid memories of making mountains of fudge in the church kitchen and then slinging those little squares to festivalgoers all week. When I think about Fall Festival food, I immediately think about fudge, friendship, and being a kid in Evansville.
What Fall Festival food do you consider a can’t-miss?
The haystacks in the Frito-Lay bags! Absolutely. There is something deeply satisfying about eating an entire meal directly out of a chip bag while walking down Franklin Street. Fine dining, Evansville style.
How will you mark your daughter’s first visit to Evansville?
She was born in California, but her name is Indiana, so clearly the home state pride runs deep in our family! She’s 10 now and experiencing the Fall Festival for the first time. I think it’s the perfect age. I’m so excited to show her the food, the crowds, the rides, the traditions, and the wonderfully wild spectacle of it all. Getting to experience my hometown through her eyes makes this homecoming especially meaningful.
Have you chosen your Grand Marshal outfit?
This has become a surprisingly serious question in my house! I was originally planning to go full Canadian tuxedo because denim on denim is always a great choice. Then I saw the weather forecast. HOT. So I’m trying to solve the very specific fashion equation of “Grand Marshal, but make it 80-something degrees.” My daughter wants me to wear a ball gown, which might be ambitious. Are sequins ever really too much? I feel like if there is ever a socially acceptable moment to wear sequins down Franklin Street in broad daylight, being grand marshal of the Fall Festival has to be it.
