Community-wide Chili and Gumbo Cook-off

At the Community Fall Festival, held on the campus of SBEC, 7400 Getwell Road, Southaven, Mississippi, on November 3, from 10 – 5:00 pm, contestants from throughout the area will compete in the Community-wide Chili and Gumbo Cook-off. “The event has drawn wide-spread interest, sparked by the prizes, sponsors, and the challenge of the competition,” said Tina Tatum, organizer for the cook-off. She explained further, “All contestants must cook their entry from scratch the day of the event. Winners in the chili and gumbo categories will each receive $100, custom designed aprons, limited-edition winning t-shirts, bragging rights, and free registration to next year’s cook-off.”

BancorpSouth is the event sponsor for the Cook-off. Ritchie Hampton, DeSoto County Market President, explained the bank’s interest in sponsoring the event, "BancorpSouth is always looking for ways to support our schools and further education for our youth. We fully understand that they are the economic engine of tomorrow." In addition, many area restaurants have joined to help sponsor this fun event. Dale’s Restaurant, Maria’s Cantina and Grill, Memphis Barbeque Co., Newk’s, Orange leaf Yogurt, and Pats Monograms & Gifts have committed to the Cook-off.

Contact Elizabeth Jenkins at 662.349.5129 or esjenkins@sbectrojans.com for more information.

Tina Tatum, left and organizer of the Community-wide Cook-off, poses with Ritchie Hampton, DeSoto County Market President for BancorpSouth the event sponsor, Melissa Cookston and John Wheeler, owners of Memphis Barbeque Co., one of the restaurant sponsors.