New Iberian Kate Ferry was chosen by the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce to design the official poster for the 20th annual World Championship Gumbo Cookoff.

The 2009 poster was inspired by “old-fashioned poster advertising,” Ferry said.

“For the 20th anniversary of the event, I thought that style might be a cool thing to incorporate,” she said.

Kate Ferry of New Iberia says festival poster she designed was inspired by ‘old-fashioned poster advertising.’ Holly Leleux-Thubron / The Daily Iberian Advertisement

Ferry also designed this year’s official Festival International de Louisiane poster.

“It’s nice to be selected for things like this, especially Festival and the Gumbo Cookoff because I enjoy those two events so much — and getting to do the art work for them is a nice perk,” she said.

The original artwork will be auctioned off at the Chamber’s annual banquet in the early part of 2010.

A freelance graphic designer by trade, Ferry said she also enjoys painting with acrylics.

“I just love this year’s poster,” Chamber President Janet Faulk said. “It’s full of rich colors. The richness is like a gumbo in and of itself.”

Faulk said there will plenty of surprises in store during this year’s event, including a visit from the Food Network. Representatives from the show “Glutton For Punishment” contacted the Chamber and inquired about filming an episode on gumbo.

The network describes the cable television show, hosted by Bob Blumer, as “fun, fast-paced and entertaining.”

“This is a show for passionate foodies and armchair adventurers,” the network’s Web site described.

“Part travel, part Epicurean quest, part sporting event, Bob proves that there’s no distance too far and no challenge too intimidating for a genuine glutton.”

Faulk said the show will have a booth for the Cookoff and will enter a gumbo in the competition.

Also new this year is a sponsorship by the Louisiana Seafood Board, joining the ranks with long-time sponsor Tabasco. Faulk said the sponsors also have many fun promotional ideas in store.

This year’s Gumbo Cookoff will be Oct. 17-18 in downtown New Iberia. Copies of the 2009 poster will be available for sale beginning today. Contact the Chamber office at 364-1836 for more information.