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Cold weather equates to gumbo weather here in Southeast Texas and what better way to get your fix than the 45th Annual Rotary Taste of Gumbo Saturday. 

The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at a new location this year — Central Mall.

This year’s Queen Gumbo Sharita Gardner is excited for the event.

“If you’re looking for a way to satisfy your winter food cravings, aid south Jefferson County students with scholarships and contribute to the mission of the Rotary Club of Port Arthur – Taste of Gumbo & More is the event for you,” Gardner said.

Taste of Gumbo was established over 30 years ago and has been held at the Bob Bowers Civic Center for many years. This marks the first big change in venue.

“The change of venue was implemented for a couple of reasons. One being the ongoing construction near Hwy 69/73 and the other being the club wanted to try something new,” she said. “A location change may just light the spark for a few innovative things to come in the upcoming years, so stay tuned.”

Patrons can enter at the FM 365 side near TJ Maxx. The logistics will be the same with tables and chairs for attendees to sit and eat and watch the Rolling Bones band perform.

More than 10 restaurants/businesses have signed up to bring gumbo as well as contributors like Chick-fa-la, Walk-On’s and HEB. HEB will have “Buddy” in the building for kids to hang out and take photos with. Walk-On’s will be serving their hot and delicious Bread Pudding. And as usual Chick-fa-la will be there with their browned to perfection nuggets, she said.

Gardner’s title of Queen Gumbo is a longstanding tradition with the Rotary Club. Each member who is president-elect moves to the Queen, or King Gumbo title thus passing the torch.