The aroma of gumbo will mingle with the sound of music from the band Legal Tender as people gather under the trees on Crawford Street between Cherry and Adams streets for the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation’s fifth annual Carnaval de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-off at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

“We have 17 teams entered and the weather is going to be pleasant, so we are very pleased,” said foundation executive director Nancy Bell. “The band will be playing outside this year, and we’re looking for a very good time.”

She said this year’s menu will be split between seafood gumbo and gumbo using other ingredients like chicken and sausage.

In 2015, Bell said, 2,500 people turned out to sample gumbo offerings from 15 different teams.

Admission is $10 per person for adults, which includes a bowl and spoon and drink ticket, and $5 for children, which allows the children to participate in games during the cook-off.

The child’s admission does not include food, Bell said, adding parents can buy an adult ticket for their child for gumbo or select from alternative foods like hot dogs and pizza, which will be available for sale in the heritage center auditorium.

Prizes will be awarded to teams for the best decorated site, people’s choice, and first, second and third place in both the seafood and non-seafood categories. First place in both categories will receive a trophy and $200.