NEW IBERIA — Fall is in the air and the term "gumbo weather" is being used a lot this week. The World Championship Gumbo Cookoffis happening in downtown New Iberia this weekend.
Today the Bouligny Plaza underwent some changes for the event. New street signs indicate the rows for the 76 teams participating in this years cook-off with names like Filé Boulevard and Tasso Trail. By Friday night, the parking lot will become a miniature gumbo city.
"It's starting to come together I'm getting excited." Ben Lilley said.
He and his friends are participating for the first time. Lilley says with 20 years of gumbo making experience, the team is hoping to win. Whiel he wants the trophy, that's not all he is here for.
"We have a lot of people come in from different countries, so it'll be interesting how they view it and how everyone cooks differently." Lilley said.
Cheating will not be tolerated during this cook-off. Gumbo police will be on the lookout. New Iberia Greater Chamber of Commerce, CEO Janet Faulk-Gonzales says the police will head out at 5am on Sunday to check out each tent.
"Well they check around in the team tents, see if there is any pre-made roux. They walk around with their flashlights."
The weekend kicks off Saturday morning with a run, followed with a Cajun & Creole food fest. Sunday morning over 90 different gumbos will be served at 11 am. For a list of events, click here.
