Locals cook for Repton’s ‘Gumbo, Grits & Grub’

Published 12:00 am Friday, October 28, 2011

Lovers of food and music will have more than enough to interest them as the town of Repton hosts a special culinary event this weekend, “Gumbo, Grits and Grub, Oh My!”

Hosted by the Town of Repton and the Repton Restoration Society, the event is a cook-off for professional and amateur cooks with prizes awarded for those dishes deemed the best by the public.

Each “judge” will purchase a tasting bracelet allowing them to sample food from each vender and cast a vote for their favorite dish. The cost of the bracelet will be $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Tasting begins at 4 p.m. Andalusians Billy Jo Stallworth and Tom Gerlach are among the tasting participants. Stallworth will serve Boston butts; Gerlach will serve seafood gumbo.

The contest will end with the winner receiving a $500 cash prize.

Perdido Vineyards will be on hand for the Art by the Glass art show and a Dessert by Design contest will award one lucky winner a $100 cash prize.

Football games and NASCAR will be broadcast complete with beer for sale beginning at 11 a.m. as well.

A noon start for the Battle of the Bands contest has been set with the winning band receiving $500 for their best efforts.

Tours of the historical Carter Hospital will be offered, free of charge, from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Children can have their photos taken with characters from the Wizard of Oz from the Monroe Youth Ballet group.

Patrons wishing to enjoy the day without purchasing a tasting bracelet may do so at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Children will be allowed full use of all inflatable bouncers during the day included in the cost of the ticket. The ticket will also allow the purchaser to enjoy a hamburger, chips and drink meal.

The event is being sponsored by Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore.

To learn more about the event, visit www.reptonalabama.com.