Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off Celebrates 20 Years Feb. 17!

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The Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off is back and better than ever for 2018!

This year, the cook-off and Mardi Gras festival will move to a new location, Parker Park, just off Highway 98 right across from the Gulf in Mexico Beach, Florida. Enjoy views of the water while you stroll through the park and take in the delicious aroma of roux. It all happens Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. (Central) until all the gumbo and Brunswick stew runs out! As always, live music, Mardi Gras beads, and other refreshments will be available—there’s something for everyone.

The competition will be bigger than ever this year, as well. For those interested in entering the gumbo or Brunswick stew cook-offs, the entry form is due by Friday, February 9, and can be found HERE.

Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off 2018 February Event

This year’s cash prizes are enough incentive to have even amateur cooks donning an apron and their Mardi Gras best, with first, second, and third-place prizes to be awarded in the following categories:

 

Gumbo – Amateur Division

First Place $500, Second Place $250, Third Place $150

Gumbo – Restaurant Division

First Place $500, Second Place $250, Third Place $150

Brunswick Stew Division

First Place $300, Second Place $250, Third Place $100

 

Competitors are encouraged to “trick out” their tents (which will be provided by the Special Events for Mexico Beach committee along with tables, power supply, and other logistics). The chance to win the Most Spirited Tent designation has long been a Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off tradition! Please read the 2018 Entry Form document for all information on what competitors should and should not bring for their booth.

This family-friendly event is a crowd favorite, and celebrating twenty years of delicious gumbo and good times with family and friends is all the more reason to plan a trip to Mexico Beach this season! Check out our Places to Stay for some amazing deals on inns and motels, condos, vacation homes, and more.

 

Other events coming up and details can be found on our Calendar:

Free Bingo Night – Every Sunday through March 25

Snowbird Trip to Biloxi, Mississippi – January 29–30

National Naval Aviation Museum Tour – February 8

Farmer’s & Craft Market – February 10

Winter Bay Day – February 10

Sinatra’s “A Night at the Sands” – February 15