The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce is in full force planning for the 29th annual World Championship Gumbo Cookoff weekend. In fact, we have already held four committee meetings in preparation for this year’s event.

Several individuals have requested that we push the date of the event further into the winter. The committee gave the suggestion serious consideration; but, at least for the current moment, the second weekend in October, this year Oc. 13-14, appears to be the best option. We can all agree that last year’s weather was unseasonably hot, but we only missed the perfect gumbo weekend by a matter of hours. Moving the date is problematic because of conflicts with hunting season(s), corporate reservations for tents, the impending rainy season, NFL Super bowl and holidays, including everything from Thanksgiving to Mardi Gras, etc.

As a matter of clarification, the annual Festival Acadiens event held in Lafayette on the second full weekend in October, was moved to that weekend from a September date. Because Festival Acadiens counts Friday as a part of the full weekend, some years the events do not coincide.

Based on feedback we received last year, a subcommittee, inclusive of cooking team members, has been meeting to tweak the gumbo judging process. We think all of our teams will be pleased with the outcomes of these discussions. An overview of the subcommittee’s work will be included in each team’s registration packet.

This year’s event theme will be announced within the next few weeks, so be sure to watch for that information.

The World Championship Gumbo Cookoff is an excellent format for showcasing Iberia Parish. The Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce extends great thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who meet throughout the year and who turn out in full force on ‘gumbo weekend’ to make this cookoff, the largest in the region, the best in the world!

Ryan Boudoin

GICC First Vice-Chair

2018 CookOff Chairman

NEW IBERIA