Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces great gumbo paired with first-rate fun at the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event – the 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, Friday and Saturday, February 12-13. Visitors and gumbo-lovers from across the Southeast are expected to join in the festivities during the extended Presidents Day weekend. The Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Now in its 27th year, the event takes over The Village of Baytowne Wharf during Presidents Day weekend. Kick-off the weekend Friday, February 12, at Fat Tuesday with a delicious Baytowne Seafood Boil starting at 4 p.m. On Saturday, February 13, from 12 – 4 p.m. guests will enjoy live Zydeco music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, family activities and the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast. “You simply can’t beat fresh gumbo! And the atmosphere is fun and family friendly with live music and tents ready to win your vote! Our event sold out last year, and it’s no surprise with all the different restaurants and gumbos represented – whether it is dark roux, light roux, chicken, seafood, long time veterans and first year participants,” said Julie Stuckey, events manager for The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Festival guests can vote for ‘The People’s Choice’ awards in gumbo and become eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. Judges will also award first, second and third place for the participant categories, and even a ‘Best Display’. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 week of event, $30 on event day and are now available online as well as at Graffiti & the Funky Blues Shack, Aloha Surf Company and the Sandestin Welcome Center’s front desk. Click here to buy tickets online! The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with the Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK), where a portion of the proceeds benefit SDFK’s causes and organizations that have the most impact and make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of children. The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites local businesses and restaurants to join in the fun by becoming a gumbo participant. Participants of the Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be included in the event’s marketing package, have an opportunity to win radio and print advertising through sponsors and award winners will receive prize money. For more info, contact Baytowne Wharf. Special accommodation rates at Sandestin are available for the weekend. (Promo Code: GUMBO). Other special deals include 30% off with the purchase of three or more nights (Code: SAVE30). For more info, visit Sandestin Gumbo Festival or call 866-91-BEACH. Check out our 30A videos from the 2015 festival: