Grab your spoon and ready your taste buds, the 26th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival is right around the corner.
The President’s Day weekend event, which has become one of the favorite winter food events along the Emerald Coast, is scheduled Feb. 13-14 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf and will feature the culinary creations of 16 participating restaurants and organizations.
“It’s been so exciting to build this event with local restaurants in one of our largest and most popular events,” said Julie Stuckey, events manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. “You simply can’t beat fresh gumbo at your favorite beach.”
The festivities kick off Friday night at Fat Tuesdays, where an old-fashioned seafood boil will tantalize your taste buds.
Saturday’s signature event runs from noon-4 p.m., and guests can stroll the cobblestone streets of Baytowne while sampling some of the finest gumbo this side of New Orleans.
Dikki Du & the Zydeco Crew will provide the foot-tapping tunes, and there are plenty of family activities to keep visitors busy.
This is a competition, so keep track of your favorite gumbo, as the winning restaurants will boast bragging rights for the next year.
Guests are also eligible for raffle items from participating restaurants.
In addition to the People’s Choice award, judges will award honors for the day’s “Best Display.”
The awards ceremony begins at 4:15 p.m.
Grab your tickets to this culinary showdown. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Tickets are available at www.sandestingumbofestival.com, or at Graffiti & Funky Blues Shack, Aloha Surf Company, and the Sandestin Welcome Center’s front desk.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Sandestin Foundation for Kids’ causes and organizations that impact and make a difference in the lives of children.