SANDESTIN GUMBO FESTIVAL IS A RECORD SETTING SUCCESS AFTER HOSTING SOLD-OUT CROWDS OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

The Village of Baytowne Wharf hosted the largest crowd on record for the 22^nd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival during a weekend of food, fun for all.

DESTIN, FL, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ - The 22nd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival served up winning recipes of Gumbo and Bloody Mary's at The Village of Baytowne Wharf last weekend to a sold out crowd and more than 2,000 guests.

Organizers reported that this was the largest attendance on record for this event. "The combination of the new and unique venue, great Gumbo and beautiful weather helped the Sandestin Gumbo Festival exceed our expectations," said Lanier Motes, event manager for The Village of Baytowne Wharf. 

Gumbo from 16 participating local restaurants and businesses was tasted and judged.   

In the restaurant category, "Critic's Choice" and "People's Choice" first place honors went to 98 Bar-B-Que. Second place was awarded to Pompano Joe's and third place to Buster's Oyster Bar and Grill.

Tops'l Beach and Racquet Resort received the top "Critic's Choice" award for gumbo in the business category. Second place was awarded to the Sandestin Residence Inn by Marriott and third to Soundside Club at Hurlburt Field. 

Attendees named "Another Broken Egg" with "Best Bloody Mary" and the judging panel awarded them "Best Display."

Net proceeds will be donated to United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

For a first hand look at this year's Sandestin Gumbo Festival in the Village of Baytowne Wharf visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx789XDVTIA

Based on the popularity of the Sandestin Gumbo Festival, Sandestin invites guests to enjoy the success of other upcoming events including the Mardi Gras Paw Parade on Sunday, March 6; the Village's Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration on Tuesday, March 8, St. Paddy's Day Delight on Thursday, March 18; Easter Explosion on Saturday, April 23; and the nationally acclaimed Sandestin Wine Festival on April 28-May 1, all held in the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf. 

For reservation information or more information on Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, call 866-91-BEACH or visit www.sandestin.com. 

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast and provides the best in Destin vacation rentals.  The resort offers 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,400 villas, townhomes, beach condos and hotel accommodations.  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 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife. 

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Editor's note:  Pictures available upon request.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort