WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader14th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off

Threats of severe weather didn't stop hundreds of people from making their way to Mexico Beach for some award winning gumbo.

"I don't know what they do to get the flavor. But it's good," says Charlie Hoopes, a tourist from Michigan. "I like it because its got the meat flavor to it. So I think it's a plus."

With over 30 entries of award winning recipes for gumbo and Brunswick Stew, the competition for the 14th Annual Gumbo Cook-off put your tastes buds to the test.

There are three divisions in the cook-off: gumbo amateur, gumbo restaurant, and Brunswick Stew.

The first place winners of the Brunswick Stew competition say these types of events really benefit the area.

"It's a lot of fun and it does it brings so many people to the area for the first time," says Zach Childs. "They hear there's a festival, a neat weekend in February when nothing's going on, and they come to Mexico Beach, Gulf County. They fall in love. They buy houses. They come back on vacation, go to all the restaurants, buy boats. So it's a good thing for the area."

And the money from Saturday's cook-off, Special Events Co-Chairman Kimberly Shoaf says, will help future festivities.

"The gumbo cook off serves as a fundraiser for our fourth of July fire works show," says Shoaf. "So all the money raised from the cook off goes to fund the fire works and the events that we have on the fourth."

Shoaf says the event has grown over the years, and they're hoping it continues to attract visitors.