The annual Grayson Gumbo Fest, held Saturday, Oct. 4 in the historic Black town of Grayson, celebrated the community’s unique and often overlooked Cajun heritage. The festival served as a fundraiser and featured homemade gumbo seasoned with traditional filé powder made from the native sassafras tree – a plant that grows throughout Oklahoma and gives the dish its signature flavor. Volunteers served up plates of gumbo, seafood and homemade desserts while visitors enjoyed games, raffles and local vendors selling everything from t-shirts to fried pies. The event blended hometown hospitality with plenty of laughter, showing why Grayson’s annual gathering remains a local favorite.