You can listen to my interview with the President of the Gumbo Foundation, Tim Marks, here:
The 16th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off to Benefit for Zaidee Thibodeaux
Scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2022 in Downtown Opelousas, LA
The 16th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off heats up Saturday, January 29, 2022 for a good cause. The event is held each
year in downtown Opelousas on the Corner of Landry and Oak Streets (521 East Landry Street), near Frank’s
Poboys and Doran & Cawthorne Law Firm. The beneficiary of The 16th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off is three-year-old
Zaidee Thibodeaux. Zaidee was diagnosed with Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, a rare illness affects the nervous
system. Sweet Zaidee is the daughter of Brittany Hendrickson of Port Barre and Josh Thibodeaux of Carencro.
Although the highlight of the event is The Gumbo Cook-Off, also featured will be a Motorcycle & Jeep Run, Kid’s
Activity Area, Silent and Live Auctions, Food, Drinks, and lots of Music & Dancing. Although this is a free event,
the entry fee to participate in the Cook-Off is $50 and small fees for the bike/jeep run and some of the activities. For
a donation, spectators are invited to taste participants’ entries, once samples are turned in for judging. Prizes are
awarded for First Place, Second Place, and Third Place, in two categories, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo and Seafood
Gumbo. A specially designed Gumbo Cook-Off Paddle will be presented to the new Gumbo Cook-Off Grand
Champion with the best overall gumbo. Grounds open at 8AM, Kick Off Ceremony is at 10AM, and Auction begins
at 1:30PM, immediately followed by the Winners Ceremony. Music will continue throughout the day, until 6PM.