Who cooks the best gumbo and Brunswick stew? Taste buds in Mexico Beach want to know

Time to put on the boas, string up some beads and drag out the pots and pans because it’s gumbo time and there’ll be plenty of Brunswick stew to boot.

The 14th Annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off will swing into action on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Sunset Park.  The Cook-Off will begin at 10 a.m. CST and there celebrating will continue until all vittles are gone. 

Registration is open to any and all restaurants and individuals who love to cook and enjoy fun competition.  Cash prizes will be awarded three categories: Gumbo, amateur division; Gumbo, restaurant division; and Brunswick stew division. 

There is no entry fee and applications are available at the Mexico Beach Welcome Center or visit www.mexico-beach.com.  Deadline for entry forms is Monday, Feb. 13. 

Mardi Gras will be in full swing for this Gumbo Festival with beads, live entertainment and of course gumbo and stew.  There will also be BBQ and beverages available for purchase.  Proceeds raised from the Gumbo Cook Off go towards the Fourth of July fireworks show. 

For more information on this festival or any other events, please contact the Mexico Beach Community Development Center at 850-648-8196 or visit us online at www.mexico-beach.com.