Official Cajun Cook-Off Rules and Guidelines
Team Composition
Each participating cooking team shall provide a minimum of two (2) assistants within the designated cooking area. These assistants shall support food preparation and serving activities throughout the duration of the event.
Cooking Requirements
All cooking activities must be performed onsite on the day of the event.
- Preparation of all roux is required to be done from scratch onsite.
- Pre-event preparation of vegetables and proteins is permissible.
Competition Categories
- Mardi Gras Drink Contest (21 & Older):
Mardi Gras–themed beverage of any type (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) is permissible. 4 Judges for this category - Chicken & Sausage Gumbo:
Prepared using poultry and sausage only. Seafood is strictly prohibited in this category. 5 Judges for this category - Shrimp/Seafood Gumbo:
Gumbo prepared with any seafood component. Non-seafood supplemental ingredients are acceptable. 5 Judges for this category - Cajun Chef’s Choice:
A Cajun, Creole, or Louisiana-inspired entrée. 6 Judges for this category - Public Gumbo Stroll:
Gumbo only — either Chicken & Sausage or Shrimp/Seafood. Public will be judging.
Public Gumbo Stroll (Optional) -2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Participation in the Public Gumbo Stroll is optional. However, teams electing to participate are asked to prepare a minimum of seven (7) gallons of gumbo in one of the approved categories. Teams are strongly encouraged to prepare additional quantities to ensure adequate sampling availability for attendees.
From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Public Tasting Stroll will be conducted. During this period, attendees will have the opportunity to sample gumbo prepared by each participating team.
- Each team will be provided with a ladle specifically for serving gumbo to the public.
- Teams are required to serve only those attendees wearing the official Cajun Cook-Off wristband.
For voting purposes, each team will be provided with an official container to be placed at the front edge of its serving table for Public Gumbo Stroll ticket deposits. Participants will cast their vote for their preferred gumbo by placing their tickets into the designated receptacle.
Tent Decoration & Showmanship
Teams will be evaluated on overall presentation and creativity. Awards will include recognition for Best Decorated Tent.
Electrical and Generator Usage
Limited electrical access will be available. The use of small generators is permitted.
Outdoor Structural Requirements
This is an outdoor event. Each team is responsible for securing tents and equipment to accommodate high-wind conditions. Appropriate structural support must be provided.
Fuel and Fire Safety
Propane is the only authorized fuel source for cooking equipment. Charcoal is expressly prohibited.
- Propane cylinders must be out of the way of the general public walking area.
- Teams are required to utilize a grease shield beneath all cookers.
- A minimum 2.5 lb (1-A:10-B:C) fire extinguisher shall be present within each cooking area.
Cleanliness and Waste Management
Teams are responsible for maintaining cleanliness throughout the event and leaving their designated space free of debris and waste. Designated dumpsters will be available for debris and waste.
* At the conclusion of the event, all teams are required to remove all personal belongings and equipment brought onsite. Items shall not be abandoned, including damaged or discarded tents, materials, or equipment. The event organizers are not responsible for any trash or items left behind. Significant effort is invested in coordinating and hosting this event; therefore, we respectfully request that no personal items remain on the premises following event closure.
Rice Preparation
Teams should provide sufficient cooked rice for public sampling during the Public Gumbo Stroll.
- Each team will receive a 5 lb bag of uncooked rice at the cook’s meeting at 9:00 AM.
- Cooked rice will not be supplied by the Event Coordinator/Okies Yardhouse.
Set-Up Information
Event Date: Saturday, February 14th
Set-Up Time: No earlier than 6:00 AM.
Teams desiring a specific location must notify the Event Coordinator prior to the event.
Vehicle Access & Equipment Staging
Teams shall unload equipment promptly and remove vehicles immediately to allow subsequent teams appropriate access for setup.
Parking
Any team found distributing unauthorized alcoholic beverages to the public shall be disqualified from participation in the Public Gumbo Stroll.
Category Judging- Category Turn in Times
Any team found distributing unauthorized alcoholic beverages to the public shall be disqualified from participation in the Public Gumbo Stroll.