UPDATE: The highly anticipated inaugural Fall Festival and Gumbo Cook-Off is set to kick off this Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Jeff Davis Parish Fairgrounds. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., families are invited to enjoy a day filled with flavor, fun, and community spirit.
This exciting event, hosted by the Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission, aims to unite the community and raise funds for local children in need this Christmas. According to Carter Prejean, the Tourism Director, “We just want to get as many people out there to raise money for a good cause and come together as a parish and community.”
Attendees will experience mouth-watering gumbo from over a dozen cook-off teams, who will begin preparing their dishes at 8 a.m.. Public tasting and judging commence at noon, with a $5 entry fee allowing guests to sample all the gumbos and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award. Awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m., recognizing the best seafood and non-seafood gumbo entries.
Children will have a blast with activities like a petting zoo, train rides, face painting, and a crafting station for pumpkin painting, accessible with a $5 wristband. In the meantime, parents can relax to live music by Isaac LeJeune, creating a festive atmosphere for all.
Prejean emphasizes the importance of community connection, saying, “Everyone always says that there’s nothing to do here; I don’t want to hear it anymore. We want the community to come together, network, and enjoy some family fun.”
All proceeds from the festival will directly benefit local children in need, making this event not only a source of entertainment but also a means of giving back.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy great food, music, and activities that celebrate the spirit of fall. For more details, visit the Visit Jeff Davis Facebook page or the Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission website at jeffdavis.org.
