UPDATE: The inaugural Fall Festival and Gumbo Cook-off is set to take place tomorrow, November 1, 2025, at the Jeff Davis Parish Fairgrounds. This exciting event promises to unite families and friends from across the parish for a day filled with flavor, fun, and community spirit.
Starting at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m., the festival will be held at the covered arena located at 810 S. Lake Arthur Ave. According to Carter Prejean, Tourism Director, the festival aims to raise funds for local children in need this Christmas while fostering community connections. “We want to get as many people out there to come together as a parish,” Prejean stated.
Families can look forward to a variety of children’s activities, including a petting zoo, train rides, a corn box, face painting, and pumpkin painting at the craft station. Parents are encouraged to purchase a $5 wristband for access to all children’s activities.
The culinary highlight of the day, the gumbo cook-off, kicks off at 8 a.m. with more than a dozen teams competing for the title. Judging and public tasting begin at noon, where attendees can savor a delicious bowl of rice and sample all the gumbos for just $5. Participants will also have the chance to vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in both seafood and non-seafood categories, with winners announced at 2:30 p.m.
With a vibrant atmosphere featuring live music by Isaac LeJeune, the festival is designed to capture the essence of fall—food, family, and community. Prejean emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, “Everyone always says that there’s nothing to do here. We want the community to come together, network, and enjoy some family fun.”
This event not only provides a platform for local culinary talent but also strengthens community bonds, with all proceeds benefiting children in need. Organizers hope this will become an annual tradition for the parish.
For more information, visit the Visit Jeff Davis Facebook page or the Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission website at jeffdavis.org. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy a day of fun and support a worthy cause!
