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nown as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along the Florida’s Emerald Coast, the 
30th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival kick-off party was held at Hammerhead’s Bar and Grille on the 
evening of February 15 with the main event on February 16, at Village of Baytowne Wharf. This year, 
the event sold out with around 2,000 tickets purchased. Gulf Coast restaurants featured their top secret 

recipes, available for all to sample the gumbo variety dark or light roux, chicken and sausage, seafood and much 
more. With over 20 different samples, the “People’s Choice Award” went to the winner chosen by event-goers who 
voted for their favorite gumbo, with other awards given by local celebrity judges such as the “Area’s Best,” and new 
for this year’s 30th anniversary festival the “Best Bloody Mary on the Beach!” 

Aside from the delicious gumbo it’s a fun family event filled with activities for kids, and a live performance from 

the Dikki and the Zydeco Krewe, along with other local entertainers and performers. The top three winners for each 
category can be found on sandestingumbofestival.com.  

photos & story by

Shanna Magnuson

   VIP Destin at Village Of Baytowne Wharf 

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Sandestin Gumbo Festival

March 2019   |   61 

Sheila & Terrell Tourelle

Laura & Steve Peterson

Ross & Cathy Burgar 

Jennifer Flowers, Ricky Dayaram, Lisa Rieger & Rachel Stephens 

Laura Lacey & Grace Magner 

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2/26/19   10:38 PM