January 17, 2026
Mallard Master Duck Gumbo Cookoff
Do you have what it takes to make the best duck gumbo in the Mid-South? Put your recipe to the test at the Mallard Masters Expo’s Duck Gumbo Cook-Off. Competitors bring their best pots to vie for top honors based on aroma, consistency, color, taste, and aftertaste. Cash prizes are awarded for the top three gumbos, and the best booth display is also recognized. Whether you’re a competitor or just coming to taste, this cook-off brings rich flavor and fun to the EXPO.
Sign up for the Cook-Off now!
Rules
Gumbo Must:
- Be cooked on site, from scratch the day of the cook-off (only meat can be prepared off-site)
- Each team must cook and present a minimum of 5 quarts of gumbo
- 30% of meat used must be duck
- Be ready for judging and tasting at 1 pm.
Team Requirements:
- The Head Cook is responsible for the conduct of their team members, guests, and for his/her team’s compliance with the rules and regulations. Any offensive conduct, nudity, lewdness, or any form of vulgarity will NOT be allowed, and will be grounds for disqualification from the cook-off event.
- The Head Cook will be responsible for ensuring that the booth area is clean, both during and after the event.
- Teams are responsible for their own garbage.
Judging:
Each team will be issued a 1-quart container at the beginning of the event for judging turn in. That container will be marked with a ticket, and there will be a corresponding ticket inside. All of the judges will sample from the gumbo turned in and will blind judge by number only.
Judging Criteria:
AROMA – should smell appetizing (20 points)
CONSISTENCY – should be smooth combination meat/seafood or roux (20 points)
COLOR – should look appetizing (20 points)
TASTE – should taste good, pleasing to the palate (20 points)
AFTERTASTE – should leave a pleasant taste after swallowing (20 points)
What Will Be Provided:
- Each team will receive a space not less than 10’x10’.
- Quart containers for tasting will be provided.
- Electricity will be provided.
What To Bring:
Propane stove and fuel, fire extinguisher, cooking pots, serving utensils, ingredients and decorations. Each team is encouraged to bring bowls and spoons for crowd tasting. Please bring rice, crackers, or anything you would like to go with your gumbo.
When:
January 17th, 2026. Teams may move-in at 8 a.m. Judging at 1:00 p.m., the Event will conclude at 3:30 pm.
Where:
Old Country Mart – 919 E US 64, Augusta, AR 72006
Prizes:
First Place Gumbo
Second Place Gumbo
Third Place Gumbo
Best Booth
Entry Fee:
$100 per team.
