Santa and his team - aka George O'Brien of Lake Arthur, Alissa Krecek and Garbiel O'Brien both of Katy, Texas, check their stock Saturday in preparation of entering their chicken and sausage gumbo in the annual Lake Arthur Christmas gumbo cookoff. O'Brien and his family have been entering the cook-off for nearly 15 years. (Doris Maricle / American Press)

Jason Hebert and Mark Matte of the Bolton Ford team prepare a 10-gallon pot of chicken and sausage gumbo Saturday for entry into the annual Lake Arthur Christmas gumbo cookoff. The cookoff kicked off the town's holiday festivities which included live music, a parade, fireworks and more. (Doris Maricle / American Press)

Alisha Simar, of Lake Arthur stirs the pot as her husband, Josh adds ingredients to the start of what will be a big pot of chicken and sausage gumbo Saturday during the annual Lake Arthur Christmas gumbo cookoff. The two entered the contest for the first time this year as part of team "Manger Bien (Eat Well)." (Doris Maricle / American Press)

Kerrick Gabriel of Lake Arthur adds seasoning as teammate Chad Belaire of Klondike stirs a pot of gumbo Saturday during the annual Lake Arthur Christmas gumbo cookoff. Team "DJ Bookum" was one of seven teams entered in the contest sponsored by the Lake Arthur High School Varsity Club. (Doris Maricle / American Press)