Sandestin Gumbo Festival February 16

If there is one food that sums up Gulf Coast goodness it just may be a good pot of gumbo. One thing we know for sure is that we love a good bowl, and you can get yourself one of the best in the world right here in SoWal.

Every February Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort pairs first-rate gumbo and family fun at  the Sandestin Gumbo Festival, sponsored by SoWal.com and held this year on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 12pm-4pm at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. People from all over the southeast will join in the 24th annual festivities during Presidents' Day weekend.

For more than two decades, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the most popular food events along Florida’s Gulf Coast. From live Zydeco music and family activities, to the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast, this year is promising to serve up fun for everyone. Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com.

Many Gulf Coast restaurants serve up their best gumbo, hoping to take home the "Area’s Best" and "People’s Choice" awards. Everyone can look forward to tasting great gumbo and voting for their favorite, while listening to live Zydeco music by Dikki Du and the Zydeco Crew.

All participating restaurants will showcase their best gumbo recipe, most filled with chicken, sausage or seafood, while celebrity judges choose their favorites through a blind voting process. Judges will award the top three restaurants and businesses in the “Area’s Best” Gumbo. Participating restaurants and businesses will vie for placement in the following categories: “Area’s Best - Veteran,” participating more than 5 years; “Area’s Best - 5 Years or Less,” participating 5 years or less; “Area’s Best – Freshman;” for the first-timers.

Festival guests can vote for “The People’s Choice” awards in gumbo and with their vote guests will be eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. After “The People’s Choice” honors are given, judges will award the “Best Display” with one winner. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately at 4pm. 

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on event day. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com or for purchase at these Village of Baytowne Wharf vendors: Graffiti & the Funky Blues Shack or Aloha Surf Company starting January 14. 

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with The United Way, where a portion of the net event proceeds benefit local United Way agencies Caring & Sharing and The Walton County Education Foundation.

Special Rates and Packages: Sandestin is making it easy to get away with a variety of options and deals for individuals and families. Discounted gumbo packages are available with rates starting at $89 per night (Code: GUMBO). Other special rate options include: a FREE Night with the purchase of two for Presidents Day Weekend. (Code: FREE3). Book your Presidents Day Weekend at www.sandestin.com or call 866-91-BEACH. 

All of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s packages and accommodations come with a wide variety of recreational activities including bike rental, tennis court time, on-site tram service, access to fitness center access and so much more. 

SoWal.com is a proud sponsor of Sandestin Gumbo Festival! We will see you at Baytowne February 16.