Recapping the 29th Annual Rufus B. Lee Gumbo Cook-Off
What happens when Gulf Coast clouds decide to open up on gumbo night? You move the party under the roof and keep the ladles moving!
On May 8th, the Propeller Club – Port of Mobile celebrated the 29th Annual Rufus B. Lee Gumbo Cook-Off. While we originally planned to enjoy the breeze on the National Maritime Museum’s promenade, Mother Nature had other ideas. The festivities shifted to the Cruise Terminal parking area, proving that it takes more than a little rain to dampen the spirits of Mobile’s maritime community.
A Salute to National Maritime Day
The Cook-Off is more than just a culinary showdown; it’s our signature way of recognizing National Maritime Day. We gathered to honor America’s maritime industry and the brave men and women who serve at sea. Celebrating Mobile’s waterfront—even with a temporary change of scenery—reminds us why our port city is so vital.
The Winners’ Circle
The competition was fierce this year, with teams bringing their “A-game” (and their secret spices). However, one team continued their reign of excellence: 1st Place went to The Alabama Port Authority!
Our Sponsors: The Wind in Our Sails
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A massive thank you to:
| Sponsorship Level | Sponsor Name |
|---|---|
| Presenting Sponsor | APM Terminals |
| Gold Sponsors | Crescent Towing & Host Agency |
| Silver Sponsors | McCarron Services & Parker Towing |
| Beverage Sponsor | CORE Industries |
Family, Fun, and Philanthropy
Beyond the gumbo, the evening was packed with maritime displays, music, and activities for the youngest sailors. Kids enjoyed art projects, games, and the “all-ages” favorite: free hot dogs!
Most importantly, your participation served a greater purpose. The funds raised from this year’s event are being donated to support two incredible local treasures:
- The Jimmy Buffett Exhibit at the National Maritime Museum.
- The Delta Mosaic Exhibit at the National Maritime Museum.
A Maritime Legacy
While the name is synonymous with gumbo and maritime celebration today, it actually honors a true giant of the Mobile waterfront. The event is named after Rufus B. Lee, a legendary figure in Mobile’s maritime history who spent decades championing the port. Here is why his name is on the trophy:
- Decades of Service: Rufus B. Lee was a longtime executive with McLean Securities and Waterman Steamship Corporation, two companies that were instrumental in shaping the Port of Mobile as we know it.
- The “Father” of the Propeller Club: He was a deeply dedicated member of the Propeller Club – Port of Mobile and served as its president (as well as holding national leadership roles). He was known as the club’s “historian” and its greatest advocate for years.
- A Passion for the Port: Beyond just a job, Lee was a tireless promoter of the Alabama State Docks and the maritime industry at large. He was famously committed to ensuring the community understood how vital the shipping industry was to the local economy.
Why the Gumbo Cook-Off?
When the Propeller Club started the event 29 years ago, they wanted to name it after someone who embodied the “spirit of the waterfront.” Rufus B. Lee was the obvious choice.
Naming the event after him ensures that every year, as we celebrate National Maritime Day, we are also honoring a man who spent his life ensuring that Mobile remained a premier global port. It’s a way of keeping his legacy alive—not just in the history books, but over a bowl of roux and rice.
A Members-Only Tradition
As a reminder, this remains a members-only event, allowing our Propeller Club family to host guests and share the importance of our industry in a fun, relaxed environment.
Thank you to everyone who cooked, tasted, sponsored, and braved the weather to make the 29th year one for the history books. We’ll see you at the next one—hopefully under sunnier skies!