The scent of a roux of spices mixed with seafood, sausage and chicken cooking in a large pot will be wafting in the air near the Southern Cultural Heritage Center at the sixth annual Carnival de Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cook-off Saturday.

The Carnival kicks off after the Vicksburg Mardi Gras Parade on Washington Street, and will go from 5 to 8 p.m. on Crawford Street between Cherry and Adams streets. About 2,500 people attended 2016’s event.

Organizers expect the 2017 version to be just as successful.

“At this point, we have 12 competitors, we’re expecting gorgeous weather, and Legal Tender will be providing the music,” said Nancy Bell, Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation executive director. All of it will take place on Crawford Street.”

There will also be games and bouncy houses for the children.

Admission to the Carnival is $10 per person, which allows people to sample the gumbo prepared by the competitors. There will be a separate charge for drinks. There is a $5 admission for children, but the charge does not include gumbo.

“If the children want gumbo, the charge will be $10,” Bell said. “We will have other food available for children and other people who do not like or don’t want to eat gumbo. We will have hot dogs, the Boy Scouts will be making funnel cakes and we will be serving king cakes.”

Competitors are vying for a $200 first prize and trophies in two categories, seafood and non-seafood. Prizes will also be awarded to teams for the best decorated site, people’s choice, and second and third place in both categories.