Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off set for Nov. 10
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
Date: October 31, 2012
HAMMOND – Louisiana is known for its love affair with sports and really good food. The sixth annual Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off will once again combine the two objects of affection to raise funds for Southeastern Louisiana University student-athletes during tailgating activities on Nov. 10.
As part of this new Southeastern tradition, tailgaters will have the chance to show off their gumbo cooking skills prior to the Lions football game versus Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.
"This is a fun way to encourage tailgating in support of the Lions while mixing and mingling in Friendship Circle," said Mary Kathryn Borland, advisor of the Southeastern Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). "We're proud to present this annual event and truly appreciate the financial support it provides for SAAC's community engagement and service projects. Last year we raised $524.50, and we hope to raise even more this year."
There is no cost to participate as a tailgater gumbo chef. The registration form will be available for download from the SAAC page on the Lions Athletics website at www.lionsports.net. Serving cups will be provided to each tailgating group. Participants are asked to bring spoons and however much gumbo they're willing to share with their fellow tailgaters.
The public is invited to taste the gumbo at the various "Gumbo Tailgating Tasting Stations" around Friendship Circle and "vote" for their favorites by stuffing coins and bills in designated "voting jars" at each site. "Voting" will be open from noon until 6:15 p.m.
The voting jar with the most money will win the 2012 Fans' Choice Award. Additionally, a Judges' Choice Award will be presented based on a blind taste test of samples from each of the participating tailgate sites.
Both winners will be announced at half time of the football game and will receive Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off Champ gumbo paddles.
Tailgaters have until Nov. 5 to register. The contest is open to any group, whether or not they have a regular tailgating location for Southeastern home games.
For more information about the Game Day Gumbo Cook-Off, call 985-549-2256.
All funds raised benefit SAAC, which has adopted the cook-off as its annual signature fund-raising event.
