T

he Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida hosted their annual Gumbo YaYa! on April 6, at Phineas 
Phogg’s in Seville Quarter. Amateur and professional teams competed for bragging rights for the best 
gumbo in Pensacola. Each individual gumbo was judged on taste, smell, color and consistency. Trophies 
were awarded to the top three winners. In addition, there was a Showmanship trophy, given for best 

decoration and entertainment, and the coveted People’s Choice trophy. This competition is the Big Brothers Big 
Sisters of Northwest Florida’s annual fundraiser, and this year 16 teams submitted a dish. Several teams come back to 
participate every year, many in themed costumes to pump up the crowd’s interest. 

Each team was required to prepare their gumbo “from scratch” at Seville Quarter. Cooking began at 11:00 am and 

the judging started at 4:00 pm. The public tasting was from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and $10 at the door. All proceeds from 
the event went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

photos & story by

Kristina Wright

   VIP Pensacola at Seville Quarter

Gumbo YaYa!

May 2019   |   31 

Melissa & Rodney Brewer

Kathy Summerlin & Nyah Lewis

Tonya Zimmern & Greg Davis 

Jennifer Carter & April King

Josh & Jennifer Belcher

Thom & Melissa Keener

31-32 Event_GumboYaYa_May19.indd   1

4/30/19   8:09 AM