Get ready to stir the pot, North Texas! Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor (2067 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall) is spicing things up with its First Ever Gumbo Cook-Off, set for 2–6 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025. This flavorful showdown will benefit Givingmas, a local nonprofit that walks alongside families as they overcome barriers and build lasting stability.  

The event invites home cooks, foodies, and gumbo lovers of all kinds to join the competition or simply come hungry to taste, vote, and support a worthy cause.

Contestant Details

• Entry Fee: $35 in advance, $40 at the door
• Entry Limit: First 28 contestants
• Set-Up: 1–1:30 p.m. (strict 1:45 p.m. cut-off)
• Gumbo Rules: Anything goes—any style, any ingredients! Entries must arrive prepared and kept warm in a crockpot or other device.

All entries will be numbered for impartial judging. A panel of judges will crown the Judge’s Choice Winner, while attendees will help determine the People’s Choice Winner by purchasing a spoon and ballot for $10 each (multiple spoons may be purchased for additional votes). Both categories come with cash prizes.

Public Participation

Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the event. Guests can sample a wide variety of gumbos, cast their ballots, and cheer on their favorite chefs—all while helping raise funds for Givingmas. Spoons and ballots will be sold at the door, and winners will be announced before 6 p.m.

“Gumbo is the ultimate comfort food, and there’s no better way to bring the community together than by gathering around a pot of something warm, spicy, and made with love,” said Dan Keils, Dodie’s managing partner. “We’re thrilled to host this first-time event at The Harbor and proud to support Givingmas in the process.”

Event Snapshot

• What: Dodie’s First Ever Gumbo Cook-Off
• When: Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 2–6 p.m.
• Where: Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor, 2067 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX
• Why: To crown Rockwall’s best gumbo and support Givingmas

How to Enter

Contestants can secure their spot by registering in advance at https://dodiesattheharbor.com/2025-gumbo-cook-off/ . Space is limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.