Go get gumbo
Calling all gumbo lovers.
Whether you eat it, make it or just plain love it, the Destin Community Center is the place to be on Saturday, Jan. 28. That’s the site of the Destin History and Fishing Museum’s 11th annual Gumbo Contest and Silent Auction, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the museum.
“This helps us to provide money to meet our mission," said Kathy Marler Blue, museum executive director.
The museum’s mission is to “preserve Destin’s history by stimulating interest in and understanding of the village of Destin, its history, and its fishing and tourism industries, through experiences that educate and inspire.”
The museum is still seeking entries for the gumbo contest and the silent auction. For the gumbo contest, there are restaurant and individual divisions, and prizes for first, second and third places as well as bragging rights for the best gumbo on the Panhandle. There will also be a people’s choice award.
For the silent auction, the museum is seeking donations of overnight stays, restaurant gift cards, physical items, experiences and anything else, according to Blue.
Blue said she doesn’t know how much money she’ll raise this year, but hopes to raise enough to make a lasting impact on the museum and the services it provides to the community each year.
“Beggars can’t be choosers,” she said. “But we’re tickled to death with anything we raise. It all depends on how much we’re able to have donated for the auction and it depends on how many people come in and visit during the event. It fluctuates from year to year.”
Originating in southern Louisiana in the 18th century, gumbo is a stew that contains meat or shellfish, including vegetables.
The gumbo contest will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. For more information, contact the museum at 850-837-6611 or visit www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.com.
