NATCHEZ — If you’re looking to warm up in the cool weather, head to the Natchez Convention Center Thursday to get a spicy serving of jambalaya and support a good cause.

The United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou’s 11th Annual Jambalaya Cook-off serves as the kick-off for the organization’s 2016 fundraising campaign.

“Every year we have a theme, and this year we have tricentennial — the flags over Natchez,” event chairperson Beth Dudley said.

The theme is meant to celebrate the tricentennial, as well as reflect culinary influences from the different flags that have flown over the city during its 300 years.

Jambalaya cooking teams are also encouraged to decorate their booths in keeping with the historical theme for a best decorated booth award. Other awards include team spirit and people’s choice.

But, overall, teams from Callon Petroleum Company, The Markets, Natchez Visitors Center, Magnolia Bluffs Casino, The Pilot House/The Vue, Merit Health Natchez, The Castle/Dunleith, Concordia Bank, Rolling River Bistro and the Natchez-Adams Council on Aging Inc. will compete for first, second and third place in the cook-off.

Guests can sample jambalaya styles from all the different teams for $1 each. Full plates are $7 each, which includes jambalaya, salad, bread, dessert and a drink.

“We’ve got great, great chefs,” Dudley said. “It should be a good time and good food.”

All money from the event stays in the area, supporting local agencies, including the Concordia Council on Aging, Natchez Falcons Youth Club, T.M. Jennings Little League, the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities Counseling. All proceeds from the event will stay in the area.

“There’s probably not one of us that is not in some way touched by these agencies that we support,” Dudley said.

The cook-off begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. If anyone wants to register a team, Dudley can be reached at 601-807-4306.