“The Gumbo Cook-Off” – Eight Years Of Giving Back To Those In Need

Here in Acadiana we're known to rally around those in need. And that's exactly what'll be happening Saturday, January 25 in St. Landry Parish.

Captain Megan Vizena with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office stopped by "Your Afternoon Drive Home" to talk about this special event and who it's benefitting, Brynn Riviere of Port Barre. "Brynn was diagnosed with lymphoma in September," explains Capt. Vizena. "Since then she has had a lot of medical expenses. The family has been communicating to different hospitals and having to stay in different hotels. So, we just want to give them a little break, get some extra cash going. And 'The Gumbo Cook-Off' is the perfect opportunity to do that."

This is the "8th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off," and a different person is picked each year to benefit. There will be great music, entertainment, a kids corner and food. It'll be held at Frank's Downtown from 8:00 a.m. until. And, of course, there is the gumbo cooking competition itself, which Vizena will be competing in for the first time. "There's so many different contestants. All the different businesses are going to be out there with a pot of gumbo so I said, 'you know what, let me show them what I can do.'"

We tried to get some secrets out of her on how to make a great gumbo, but she wouldn't give. "I can't leak my secrets," says Vizena. "But, if you want to see me get my trophy you can show up at 4:00!"

Vizena and the other contestants will cook in "The Battle for the Paddle," a yearly tradition in which the previous winner hands over the trophy, or the Paddle, to the newest winner. "I will be excited to put this Paddle in my office," says Vizena with a confident smile.

To listen to Captain Megan Vizena's interview on Newstalk 96.5 FM KPEL, CLICK BELOW: