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): Turn in Time 11:20 -11:30 am
A Mardi Gras–themed beverageof anytype is allowed (alcoholic or non- alcoholic). This category will be evaluated by four (4) judges. Teams must provide 4 individual cups ( cups and decorations will be returned).
- Chicken & Sausage Gumbo: Turn in Time 11:50 -12:00 pm
Prepared using poultry and sausage only—seafood is prohibited in this category. This entry will be evaluated by five (5) judges. Teams must provide one large container for presentation,along with five (5) – 4 oz cups filled for judging. Turn in containers will be provided.
- Shrimp/Seafood Gumbo: Turn in Time 12:50 -1:00 pm
Gumbo must be prepared with at least one seafood component. Non-seafood supplemental ingredients are allowed. This entry will be evaluated by five (5) judges. Teams must provide one large container for presentation, along with five (5) – 4 oz cups filled for judging. Turn in containers will be provided.
- Cajun Chef’s Choice: Turn in Time 1:50 -2:00 pm
A Cajun, Creole, or Louisiana-inspired entrée. This category will be evaluated by six (6) judges. One (1) large container will be provided for presentation and judging.
- Gumbo only — either Chicken & Sausage or Shrimp/Seafood Gumbo.
Public Gumbo Stroll (Optional) -2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Entries must be either Chicken & Sausage or Shrimp/Seafood gumbo. The public will serve as the judges for this category. Please serve only attendees with an official Cajun Cook Off sponsored cup and a valid event wristband. Upon entry, attendees will receive a tasting cup, spoon, judging ticket, and wristband.
Participation in the Public Gumbo Stroll is optional. However, teams electing to participate are asked to prepare a minimum of six (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.
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.