Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s 24th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013, at the Village of Baytowne Wharf (12 p.m. – 4 p.m.). People from all over the southeast are expected to join in the festivities during the extended Presidents Day weekend.

“The Gumbo Festival is one of our longest running and most enjoyable food events,” said Lanier Motes, Special Event Manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. “Many Gulf Coast restaurants serve up their best gumbo, hoping to take home the ‘Area’s Best’ and ‘People’s Choice’ awards. Guests can look forward to tasting great gumbo and voting for their favorite, while listening to live Zydeco music.”

All participating restaurants will serve their best gumbo recipe (most filled with chicken, sausage or seafood) while celebrity judges choose their favorites through a blind voting process. Judges will award the top three restaurants and businesses in the “Area’s Best” gumbo. Participating restaurants and businesses will vie for placement in the following categories: “Area’s Best – Veteran,” participating more than 5 years; “Area’s Best – 5 Years or Less,” participating five years or less; “Area’s Best – Freshman;” for the first-timers.

Festival guests can vote for “The People’s Choice” awards in gumbo and with their vote guests will be eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. After “The People’s Choice” honors are given, judges will award the “Best Display” with one winner. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately at 4 p.m.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with: The United Way, where a portion of the net event proceeds benefit local United Way agencies Caring & Sharing and The Walton County Education Foundation.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on event day.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.sandestingumbofestival.com.

SPECIAL RATES & PACKAGES:

Discounted gumbo packages are available with rates starting at $89 per night (Code: GUMBO). Other special rate options include: a FREE Night with the purchase of two for Presidents Day Weekend. (Code: FREE3). Book your Presidents Day Weekend at www.sandestin.com or call 866-91-BEACH. All of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s packages and accommodations come with a wide variety of recreational activities including bike rental, tennis court time, on-site tram service, access to fitness center access and more.