There aren't many theme parks where the featured attraction is also on the menu. But after 50 years in business, Gatorland (14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 855-5496) has come up with a new way to draw attention to the 4,000 resident gators: The "Greater Gator Cook-Off," which offers a taste-test of old Florida-style delicacies, noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18.
Vying for $5,000 in prizes, professional and backyard chefs will showcase killer recipes for gator nuggets, gator ribs, gator chowder, gator stew and other swampy concoctions. If you've never experienced a good gator tail, it really does taste like chicken -- rubbery chicken -- but ask the onsite connoisseurs about the distinctions.
Special guests will help out with judging. And gator-themed games and contests are planned for kids. Gatorland is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is $10.95 for adults, $5 for ages 3-12.
