One of Watson’s most anticipated winter traditions is back as the Watson Bird & Sausage Gumbo Cookoff returns Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Livingston Parish Fairgrounds.
Now in its more than a decade-long run, the cookoff has grown from a small, local gathering into a large community event drawing cook teams and attendees from across the region. What began years ago as a backyard celebration has evolved into a full-day festival centered on friendly competition, live music, family activities, and, of course, plenty of gumbo.
Gates open at 10 a.m., with an opening ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. Admission is a $15 donation, with children 36 inches and under admitted free. Attendees will be able to sample a wide variety of bird and sausage gumbo recipes throughout the day.
Live entertainment begins at noon with performances by Ampersand and Chris LeBlanc, while the Kids Korral opens at 11 a.m. Awards are set to be presented at 4:30 p.m.
Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Honor Flight Louisiana, Baton Rouge Soldier Outreach, and Books for Boots, continuing the cookoff’s long-standing mission of giving back to veteran-focused causes.
