It’s that time of the year again — gumbo tastin’ time.

On Saturday more than a dozen restaurants and some businesses will cook up gallons of the Cajun specialty as part of the Taste of Gumbo.

The event is the Rotary Club of Port Arthur’s biggest fundraiser. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center. Tickets are $10 per person and $15 at the door.

The event is simple; walk in, step up to one of the many lines and get a taste of gumbo. Chow down, then move on to the next or comeback for seconds, or thirds; whatever your palate and stomach tell you.

While you’re eating — last year there was more than 600 gallons of gumbo served — there will be live music, entertainment and tons of door prizes, so keep that ticket stub.

There will also be silent auction items, activities for kids of all ages, photo booth, Megatronix’s Laser tag, Archery Tag and much more.

Some of the participating food joints taking part include Chick-fil-A, Edith’s place, Texas Roadhouse, Floyd’s, La Suprema, Schooner’s, Hospitality Center, Neches River Wheelhouse, Cedric Sullivan Catering, Nachos Queen, Rao’s Bakery, Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant and Seafarer’s Center. A team from Texas Gas Service will also participate.

Last year Reel Cajun restaurant won first place, Edith’s Place took second place and Big Boi’s Crawfish Hole came in third place.

Gobbling up the gumbo and other goodies to be served is all for a good cause. The Rotary Club, which is a service organization, provides grants, some of which went to college scholarships and leadership development, Capland Speech Therapy Center, Community Care-Prayer Outreach, United Board of Missions, Salvation Army and more other programs.

“Gumbo King” Johnny Brown said the idea for having this kind of program is part of Rotary’s demonstration of service above self, which is the major part of why the organization exists.

“To bring together community leaders and those interested in giving back to the community to help those who need help,” said Brown.

This will be the 33rd year for the Taste of Gumbo and the second consecutive since the 2018 edition was canceled due to damages the Bob Bowers Civic Center sustained during Hurricane Harvey.

Mary Meaux is a reporter with The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at mary.meaux@panews.com