Hankering for some gumbo?

Tomorrow (April 5), the public will have the chance to feast on a delicious variety of gumbo and enjoy some entertainment all while helping out a great cause -- the Allen School, which enables children with developmental disabilities to achieve their dreams through treatment, nurturing and education.

It's all happening at the Jumbo Gumbo Cook Off, an outdoor event of live music, rousing entertainment, awesome food and creative competition among local amateur cooking teams vying for prizes in several categories at the River Market Pavilions in downtown Little Rock, 400 President Clinton Ave.

Several chefs in the area will judge the competition, including Todd Gold of the Purple Cow, Phil Brown, Jay McAfee and Philippe Ducrot of Pulaski Tech, and Andre Poirot of The Peabody. The first-place winner will win $500, while the second-place contender will get $250 and third place will receive $100. There will also be a People's Choice award.

From 5 - 9 p.m., event-goers will enjoy the sounds of local celebrity bands and all the gumbo they can handle.

Tickets are $15 in advance and are available online. The public can also purchase tickets for $20 at the gate. Beer and beverages available for purchase.

The Allen School serves children, from birth to 5, diagnosed with conditions including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and other developmental delays. A combination of early childhood teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals work together with physical, speech, and occupational therapists to tailor programs that maximize each child's potential.

For more information about the foodie event, click here.