First Fayetteville Gumbo Cookoff set for March 5

It’s hot. It’s spicy. It’s delicious. It’s gumbo, and next month, some of the best cooks in town will be cooking it up by the potful at the first ever Fayetteville Gumbo Cookoff.

The event, set for Saturday, March 5, at Fayettechill’s warehouse (formerly the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse) at 1725 S. Smokehouse Trail, will feature 15 teams cooking up their best version of the classic Louisiana dish.

There will also be craft beer from local breweries Fossil Cove, Core, and Ozark, and cider from Black Apple Crossing. Live music is also planned, with Clifford Todd and the Sharp Elevens, and Rachel B Table for Three providing the soundtrack for the event.

According to a Facebook post on the official page Thursday, only about 4 cooking spots are left.

Attendees came come and taste gumbo for a $25 ticket, and a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association, to help the organization make good on their commitment to raise $300,000 to help offset the city’s cost to purchase the 328 acres known as the Kessler Mountain Reserve.

Tickets to the event are on sale here, and a bit more information including the official rules for the cookoff are available at the event Facebook page.