ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – (OBA) – CoastAL Orange Beach is gearing up for the 2024 Gumbo Fest, celebrating the cuisine and community spirit of the Gulf Coast. The event is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and promises a day filled with homemade gumbo, live music, and friendly competition.
Attendees will be able to sample a variety of gumbo dishes prepared by local culinary teams. For $25, guests receive eight tasting tickets and one People’s Choice vote. The event also supports a good cause with $5 from every ticket donated towards scholarships for local students pursuing a career in hospitality.
CoastAL Orange Beach Marketing Director Tiffany Hammock said: “CoastAL hosts Gumbo Fest to celebrate our community’s love of good food, local flavor, and the rich food culture of the Gulf Coast. This is a great opportunity for us to bring people together, share great gumbo recipes, and It’s an exciting way to support local chefs and talent.”
Big Al & the Heavyweights offers live music and creates a lively atmosphere for food lovers and families alike. CoastAL Orange Beach’s beachfront location offers stunning coastal views, adding to the allure of your event.
Contesting chefs compete for cash prizes, with the winner receiving $1,000, second place and People’s Choice receiving $500, and third place receiving $250. This competition is open to professional chefs and amateur cooks with a passion for gumbo.
Rouses Markets, the designated sponsor of this event, is offering $100 gift cards to competing teams. Teams will also receive three festival t-shirts and a CoastAL Orange Beach gift bag.
The festival emphasizes community involvement and contribution. Attendees can donate an additional $10 or bring non-perishable food to receive an additional tasting ticket and an additional People’s Choice vote.
Gumbo, a staple of Southern cooking, has a rich history dating back to 18th century Louisiana. It represents a fusion of different culinary traditions and is the perfect centerpiece for this community event.
For more information or to register your team for the contest, interested parties should visit the Gumbo Fest website. Space is limited, so those looking to show off their gumbo-making skills are encouraged to register early.
