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Saturday morning, Rouxlin on the River held a Gumbo and Brunswick Stew Competition at the Earl May Boat Basin Park.

Rouxlin on the River is a new Mardi Gras Society event that raises money to donate to Non-Profit Organizations in the Southwest Georgia region. Jennifer Cannon, owner of J. Christine and Summer Confer, Secretary of Mardi Gras Southwest Georgia, were the two organizers of the event.

The event was exhilarating with a Rouxlin Cornhole Competition, a Classic Car Show, an Axe Throwing Trailer, a Bounce House, a Bing Bag Toss, and an Obstacle Course while listening to live music under the Big Oak by Baby Gray. There was a covered VIP section with tables and chairs. VIPs were given bags that had a VIP armband, 10 tickets worth $10 to sample the Gumbo or Brunswick stew, two drink tickets, and a regular drink and a dessert. The Old Post Office provided beverages.

The event was livelier with the Gumbo and Brunswick Stew Competition. Some of the teams that participated in the event were Georgia Power, Riverbend Gumbros, The Red Hoss Suckas, Closes Eternal Eats, Ritho Caribbean Spot, and many more. “Many people in the community came out, and I am so proud of how the event turned out. I am also grateful for the support for the car shows, the teams, and many others who came out to support the Mardi Gras society.” Confer exclaimed.

Jesse Brown, Leon Brunson, Johnny Edwards, Cameron Hardin, Janice Owens, and Lori Shiver were the judges of the Gumbo and Brunswick Stew Competition.

The Mardi Gras Society reached out to Cameron Hardin to become a judge and guest. Hardin was “America’s Favorite Houseguest” on CBS Big Brother 25 and Big Brother: Reindeer Games. “They called me and the ladies that were putting the event on are Big Brother fans so they reached out to say ‘Hey. Will you come on and be a judge? And just kind of walk around just be yourself’ and I was like ‘that sounds like a really tough sell.’ Hardin explained. Hardin came all the way from Eastman, Georgia to have fun at the event and taste and judge southern Gumbo and Brunswick Stew. “I am a food fan.” Hardin exclaimed. “I love everything like there’s no food to me that I say ‘no’ to which is weird, but I grew up with Brunswick stew. I grew up in Georgia, so Brunswick stew has always been a big deal, but I actually trained in Louisiana, and I’ve been around a lot of legitimate Cajun friends that should be here for what real gumbo is. So today, I get the pleasure of differentiating between the two. Even though I know I’m going to love it. It’s going to be really hard to choose.”

The Gumbo Competition was announced first. The 1st prize winner of the Gumbo Competition was Georgia Power, and they received a prize of $500 that they eagerly donated to the Mardi Gras Society. The 2nd place winner was Closes Eternal Eats who received a prize of $250. Riverbend Gumbros was the 3rd place prize winner who received a prize of $100. Next, Brunswick Stew winners were announced. 1st place winners were ProWire Stew Crew, and they received an award of $500. 2nd place winner was Georgia Power, and they received an award for $250. 3rd place winner was Simmer Down (The Bean Crew), and they received an award of $100. Lastly, the Red Hoss Suckas won the People’s Choice Award for $100.

Jennifer Cannon exclaimed that the event was a success that left many wondering when the next Rouxlin on the River will be. “The Mardi Gras Society of Southwest Georgia is so happy with the amazing turnout for our first annual Rouxlin on the River event! Everyone had an amazing time and we are thankful to everyone that had a hand in making this event a success! We are looking forward to all of our fun events during Mardi Gras Season 2025! All of our event info can be found on our website Mgsswg.com. We can’t wait to see everyone for Mardi Gras and Rouxin on the River 2025!”