CoastAL Orange Beach is gearing up for the Annual National Gumbo Fest, a new tradition celebrating the iconic Southern dish. Set to take place on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 11am to 2pm, this cook-off challenge will feature teams of chefs competing to create the best gumbo in the nation. Full details and registration are available at www.gumbofest.com. 

Event Details:

• Date: November 2, 2024
• Time: 11am to 2pm
• Location: CoastAL Orange Beach
• Ticket Price: $25 (includes 8 tasting tickets and 1 People’s Choice vote)
• Additional Donation Options: $10 donation or non-perishable food items for extra tasting tickets and votes

A portion of each ticket will benefit a local student scholarship for those pursuing a career in hospitality, further emphasizing the community spirit behind the event.

Competitors and Prizes

The event invites teams of up to three to enter the cook-off and showcase their gumbo-making skills. Each team will receive a $100 Rouses Markets gift card, three festival T-shirts, and a CoastAL gift bag. Prizes for the best gumbo include:

• 1st Place: $1,000 and the coveted Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• 2nd Place: $500 and a Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• 3rd Place: $250 and a Gumbo Paddle Trophy
• People’s Choice: $500, a Gumbo Paddle Trophy, and local bragging rights

People’s Choice Voting

Attendees will play a crucial role in determining the People’s Choice winner, using their vote tickets to crown the champion. Additional vote tickets can be earned through donations, making every guest's opinion count in this friendly competition.

Supporting the Community

In addition to showcasing great food, the National Gumbo Fest supports the local community. With a portion of the proceeds dedicated to a hospitality scholarship and additional donations benefiting local food banks, the festival emphasizes giving back while celebrating Southern cuisine.

Rouses Markets, the Title Sponsor 

Rouses Markets is a staple in the heart of gumbo country—Louisiana. Known for their commitment to providing high-quality, fresh ingredients, Rouses has expanded across the Southeast with 64 locations, including locations in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. With a deep connection to Southern cuisine, Rouses offers every ingredient needed to create an authentic and delicious gumbo, from fresh seafood and andouille sausage to okra and the "holy trinity" of vegetables and flavorful filé powder. Their dedication to local flavor makes them a perfect partner for this celebration of gumbo.

For more information about Rouses Markets, visit their official website.

A Gumbo Celebration with a Purpose

Gumbo, a stew rich in history and cultural significance, dates back to 18th century Louisiana, where it emerged as a blend of West African, Native American, French, Spanish, and German culinary traditions. Made with ingredients such as seafood, andouille sausage, the "holy trinity" of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery), and often thickened with okra or roux, gumbo has long been a symbol of Southern heritage.

Join the Celebration

With gumbo at the heart of the event, guests will experience not only delicious flavors but also the cultural roots of this iconic dish. The combination of beachside cocktails, live music, and the best gumbo around will make the Annual National Gumbo Fest an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.