WEEKEND BEST BET: Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off

Fiddles and the spices of "gumbo goodness" will greet attendees of an annual music- and food-filled event this weekend.

From noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 17, the Braden River Bluegrass Festival and Gumbo Cook-off will take over Linger Lodge Restaurant and Campground, 7205 85th St. Court E., Bradenton.

An afternoon of music by Keith Bass and the Florida Bluegrass Express, Manatee River Bluegrass and other bands will entertain patrons as they wait for the selection of the gumbo cook-off winner.

The cook-off will last from noon to 3 p.m., or until the gumbo is gone. Professional and amateur, at-home chefs are encouraged to step up to the pot and bring on the gumbo.

The first-place gumbo guru will receive $500.

The event costs $15, which includes gumbo tasting.

For more information, call 755-2757 or visit lingerlodgeresort.com.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].