The aroma of gumbo filled the air around Prairie Laurent Saturday morning as the Shining Star Masonic Lodge #262 held their 14th annual Charity Gumbo Cook-Off. Lodge members fired up their gumbo pots early as nearly 20 teams vied for the first place trophy.. By mid morning the lodge pavillion was filled with hungry spectators waiting to sample a variety of gumbo recipes. Categories included traditional chicken and sausage, seafood and other wild game. First place trophies were given in each category. According to lodge member Darren Zachary the cook-off is their main fundraiser with funds used to purchase toys gifts for the kids and feeding of families during the Christmas holidays.
