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Celebrating 31 years
Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off
Gumbo Me.
Gumbo is back, baby.
Are you an aspiring gumbo chef or a professional that’s got this nailed down? Join in the fun at gumbo cook-off and show us what you’ve got! If you are better-suited to snacking, then come taste what our 20 gumbo chefs have cooked up in the park and vote for your favorite. Samples are a mere 75¢ each!
- Sat. March 1, 2025
- Soda Springs Park
- 75¢ tastings at 11 am
And why a Cook-Off?
“Gumbo” is a Cajun soup containing roux or gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It usually contains a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other ingredients & seasonings served over rice.
Gumbo tasting in Manitou Springs is serious businesses and is the early-morning kick-off to the Carnivale Weekend. Professional and amateur chefs offer their best pot of gumbo for judges and snackers. Cash prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as judged.
free smells
Best smelling place in town today!– Angel H.
gumbo Madness
What a fun event! Our family loved tasting all the gumbo and getting to vote for our favorite! – Sharon N.
The 2024 Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Winners
Professional:
1st Place: Creole Roots Food Truck
2nd Place: Border Burger Bar
3rd Place: Po’ Brothers
People’s Choice:
Creole Roots Food Truck
Amateur:
1st Place: Three Avengers (No Thor)
2nd Place: Stir it Up
3rd Place: Krewe De Voodoo
Best Showmanship:
Krewe De Voodoo
Ready to tackle the gumbo cook-off?
Register today
Signing up is easy, but we only have 20 spaces, and it’s first come, first served (pun intended).
We aren’t accepting applications yet for 2025’s Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off, check back for more information at the beginning of the year!
No foolin'
Gumbo Rules
Gumbo is serious business in Manitou Springs, and we’ve got Gumbo Rules to live by. If you are planning on cooking up a pot, then review these rules first!
- Each team is expected to make a minimum of 5 gallons of gumbo. Cooking time is 8:00am - 10:45am.
- Judging begins at 10:45am. Public tasting starts immediately following judging.
- Contestants must provide their own gas grill, fuel, cooking utensil, chairs, booth decor, etc.
- Contestants are asked to have a minimum of 2 assistants in their cooking area during the tasting.
- The Chamber of Commerce will provide one 8-foot covered table, tasting cups and spoons, napkins, and a Popsicle stick for “People's Choice” voting purposes.
- The judges’ decision is final. Prizes: 1st ($100), 2nd ($50) and 3rd ($25) . Best showmanship receives $50 in Manitou Money, Peoples' Choice receives a trophy.
- Entries are limited to 20 chefs, both professional and amateur and are accepted on a first-come-first serve basis.
Free Gumbo? Volunteer With Us!
Would you like to enjoy Gumbo for free? Volunteer with us and you can! Fill out the form here or email Volunteer Coordinator Monica at monica@manitousprings.org for more information and opportunities.
Gumbo questions, Gumbo answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate?
We have 2 divisions: Professional and Amateur. Your choice (though we’d suggest only selecting professional if your day job is being a chef). Fill out the gumbo application EARLY as we only have 20 spaces available!
Is the event free to attend?
Yes! You are welcome to walk around and smell the gumbo, but if you want to actually taste gumbo, you’ll need to get tickets, which are 1 for $0.75.
Where do we park?
Great question! Parking will be available for a fee at Hiawatha Gardens.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs and food won’t mesh at this event. Please leave your pup at home or you can’t be invited into the pavilion for sampling the delicious gumbos.
Thanks to our 2024 Sponsors!
