Calling all chefs and cooking teams! The 11th Annual Jambalaya Cook-Off, the kickoff of the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou Community Investment Pledge drive, will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 21 at the Natchez Convention Center. Cook-off teams will set up and begin cooking at 5:30 a.m. the day of the event!

As most of us are aware, this is the annual event in which local area businesses, organizations, restaurants and families congregate to enjoy the best jambalaya in the Miss-Lou while a panel of judges choose their favorites, awarding first, second and third places. This year in keeping with the tri-centennial celebration of Natchez, the overall theme of the event is “Tri-Centennial Jambalaya Celebration” which reflects the French, African, Indian, English and Spanish influences of the past, which have served to spice up and enrich the overall flavor of our great city. There will also be a category for The People’s Choice Award, best decorated booth and, of course, a team spirit award. Roscoe and Kari Blaney from 95 Country will serve as host and hostess of the event and keep things hopping with some toe-tapping music.

Does someone in your workplace love to cook? Then this is the perfect opportunity to showcase that talent by forming a cooking team and having fun deciding which influence to use in your jambalaya recipe or booth decorations. No cooks in the house? Not a problem! There are other ways in which to get involved, contribute to United Way of the Greater Miss Lou and provide great publicity for your place of business. How about sponsoring a table, or volunteering to help us set up, or another great idea is to simply treat your staff or family and friends to lunch. The most important thing to remember whether cooking the jambalaya or coming out to eat all the delicious jambalaya or treating someone to lunch is that all monies taken in are categorized as a donation and serve to help various agencies provide their services in the community. Agencies supported by the Greater Miss-Lou United Way will be on hand to answer any questions and share what our Greater Miss-Lou United Way has done for them. Your $7 donation provides a plate of jambalaya, salad, roll and dessert! A $1 donation provides a sample of jambalaya from any booth of your choice. In case you didn’t know, all funds stay within the Miss-Lou. The agencies the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou support include: Adams County 4-H, Adams County CASA, Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities Counseling, Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance, Guardian Sexual Assault Center, Guardian Shelter for Battered Families, Adams County Habitat for Humanity, Natchez-Adams Council on Aging,

Concordia Council on Aging, CENLA Grandparent Foster Program, Natchez Falcons Youth Club, & T.M. Jennings Little League. Without a doubt, your donations will go a long way in helping our community.

Space is limited so make your plans early! Regardless of how you choose to participate, we do appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there for great food and great fun! You may contact Beth Dudley, United Way Board Member, for more information or sign up form at 601-442-1081 or email her at bdudleyunitedwaymisslou@yahoo.com.

 

Beth Dudley is a United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou board member.