Gumbo time! Rotary fundraiser tickles locals’ palates at Bowers Civic Center

Published 12:12 am Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center Saturday for the 33rd Taste of Gumbo, benefiting the Rotary Club of Port Arthur.

Visitors took the opportunity to taste bowls of gumbo from a number of restaurants and service organizations, with tamales, Chick-fil-A and dessert on hand and items up for bid during a silent auction.

Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas won the top prize for best gumbo, Port Arthur Professional Firefighters Association took second place and the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center came in third.

Connie Martinez fills a container with gumbo at the Floyd’s booth. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Melissa DeGarmo sets out cups of gumbo at the first place winning Catholic Charities booth. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Frank Thomasee, left, Doreen Badeaux and Floyd McDuffie stay busy at the third place winning Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Jim Cammack, left, gets some gumbo from the Schooner booth. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Patrons gather at tables at the 2020 Taste of Gumbo. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Johnny Brown enjoys the music of “The Rollin’ Bones’ during the event. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Port Arthur Fire Capt. Mercer Nessour dishes out gumbo the second place winning Port Arthur Fire Association. (Mary Meaux/The News)

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