Cook-Off Information

Note: Cook teams must provide a Temporary Food Booth Permit from Galveston County on day of setup. Applications must be submitted to the Galveston County Health District for their approval.

  • Gumbo must be cooked from scratch, onsite the day of the cookoff.
  • Onsite Registration will begin at 9am
  • One pot- One cup. Teams may not turn in multiple judging cups from the same pot.
  • 3 gallon minimum- for judging and public tasting
  • Business category gumbo turn-in - 1pm Local category gumbo turn-in - 2pm
  • Teams may begin setup at 7am
  • Mandatory team meeting with Head Judge - 10am
  • All teams must have a handwashing station. This requires a container WITH A SPIGOT and a catch basin. Igloo coolers with a spigot will work for this.
  • All teams must have a three-tub washing station. One tub for soapy water; One tub for clean water; One tub for bleach water
  • Teams must furnish their own water.
  • All gumbo must be cooked under a canopy.
  • All persons under the canopy must have some type of head covering: i.e. hat, cap, scarf etc.
  • Event staff will provide cook teams with sampling items for the general public.

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