The 24^th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival is serving up great gumbo and first-rate family fun over the extended Presidents Day Weekend - tickets now available online

DESTIN, FL, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces great gumbo paired with first-rate family fun at the Gulf Coast's favorite winter food event - the 24^th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. People from all over the southeast are expected to join in the festivities during the extended Presidents Day weekend.

For more than two decades, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida's Gulf Coast. Now in its 24th year, the event takes over Baytowne Wharf during the extended Presidents Weekend, Saturday, February 16th from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. From live Zydeco music, family activities to the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast, this year is promising to serve up fun for everyone. Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com.

"The Gumbo Festival is one of our longest running and most enjoyable food events," says Lanier Motes, Special Event Manager for the Village of Baytowne Wharf. "Many Gulf Coast restaurants serve up their best gumbo, hoping to take home the 'Area's Best' and 'People's Choice' awards. Guests can look forward to tasting great gumbo and voting for their favorite, while listening to live Zydeco music."

All participating restaurants will serve their best gumbo recipe, most filled with chicken, sausage or seafood, while celebrity judges choose their favorites through a blind voting process. Judges will award the top three restaurants and businesses in the "Area's Best" gumbo. Participating restaurants and businesses will vie for placement in the following categories: "Area's Best - Veteran," participating more than 5 years; "Area's Best - 5 Years or Less," participating five years or less; "Area's Best - Freshman;" for the first-timers.

Festival guests can vote for "The People's Choice" awards in gumbo and with their vote guests will be eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. After "The People's Choice" honors are given, judges will award the "Best Display" with one winner. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 4 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on event day. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.sandestingumbofestival.com or for purchase at these Village of Baytowne Wharf vendors: Graffiti & the Funky Blues Shack or Aloha Surf Company starting January 14.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with The United Way, where a portion of the net event proceeds benefit local United Way agencies Caring & Sharing and The Walton County Education Foundation.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites local businesses and restaurants to join in the fun by becoming a gumbo participant. Participants of The Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be included in the event's marketing package, in an opportunity to win radio and print advertising through our sponsors and award winners will receive prize money. E-mail contact@baytownewharf.com for more information.

Special Rates and Packages
Sandestin is making it easy to get away with a variety of options and deals for individuals and families. Discounted gumbo packages are available with rates starting at $89 per night (Code: GUMBO). Other special rate options include: a FREE Night with the purchase of two for Presidents Day Weekend. (Code: FREE3). Book your Presidents Day Weekend at www.sandestin.com or call 866-91-BEACH.

All of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's packages and accommodations come with a wide variety of recreational activities including bike rental, tennis court time, on-site tram service, access to fitness center access and so much more.

For people wanting to come for just the day, tickets will go on sale January 14 and will be $20 in advance and $25 event day.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,300 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. People are invited to download Sandestin's APP for iPhone and Android devices, or become a Facebook Fan or Twitter follower for the latest events and news.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort