Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off draws large crowd

The annual Mexico Beach Gumbo Cook-Off was back on Saturday, drawing hundreds of visitors to Parker Park for food, drink, live music and Mardi-Gras-themed festivities.

It was an early morning for the competitors, who set up their booths and prepared their dishes hours before the gates were opened to the public at 10 a.m. CST. The gumbo competition was fierce, with 34 teams registering their recipes for gumbo or Brunswick stew.

In the gumbo competition, Fishon Fishing Adventures claimed the top prize. Big Jon’s UnRouxly Crew came in second place, and Sullivan’s Roux took home the bronze.

In the Brunswick stew category, Port City Cleaning took home first place. They were closely followed by El Gov Stue Crue and the Lookout Lounge.

El Gov Stue Crue also won the prize for having the best decorated booth, and Sullivan’s Roux won best team spirit.

By the afternoon, competitors began to sell out and pack up their booths, but guests lingered in the park long after the decorations began to be taken down, enjoying the sunny weather, live music and good company.

All proceeds from the event’s food and drink sales will go towards Mexico Beach’s upcoming events, with most of the proceeds going to the Fourth of July fireworks display.