NATCHEZ — Bring a spoon and an appetite for lunch at the Natchez Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.

Thirteen teams from across the Miss-Lou will be stirring, tasting and serving up jambalaya to raise money for the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou during the annual United Way Jambalaya Cook-off.

The event is the kick-off for the United Way’s community investment fundraising drive.

The fundraising goal is $175,000 this year, up from $150,000 last year. The money raised during the campaign will be distributed among 16 local agencies.

Marsha Colson, executive director of the United Way of the Greater Miss-Lou, said the start of a fundraising drive is always an exciting time.

“You always start with the hope that it is going to be really successful,” she said. “My plan each year is to exceed that goal and I think we can do very well.”

Admission to the event is $5, which includes a serving of jambalaya, salad, bread and a soft drink. And if one type of jambalaya isn’t enough, sample portions of others can be purchased for $1 each.

With the promise of good food, comes a large crowd, Colson said. But the teams are ready.

Team Callon Captain Terry Trovato said his team normally cooks for 100 but this year they are doubling the recipe, literally.

“We’re planning on having food for 200 and that requires a big team for a lot of stirring,” he said.

And with that much jambalaya to cook Trovato’s crews will begin cooking by 6 a.m., but all the hard work will pay off.

“Our lead cook is from Sulphur, La., so you know it is going to be good,” he said.

To compliment the tasty food, teams will be showing their spirit. This year’s theme “Tailgatin’ college football style,” which Trovato said naturally brings out the competitive spirit in everyone.

“We’ve got our LSU maniacs, and our Mississippi State Bulldogs are coming in full regalia,” Trovato said. “And here I am in my Kentucky gear, but I’m going to wear it proudly.”

And while diners are enjoying the meal and tailgate atmosphere, they will have the chance to learn a little more about the United Way and the agencies to which it distributes money.

Agencies will have information booths set up to educate the community on the programs they offer and what the United Way funds are used for, Colson said.

“We will do a little teaching, a little educating, but mostly (the cook-off) is about having fun,” she said. “It helps us show our appreciation for the community.”

A community that is always willing to lend a hand, Colson said.

“This community is very generous and will help when help is needed,” she said. “The most gratifying part (of being involved with United Way) is people don’t hesitate to help.”

Prizes will be awarded for the top three jambalaya recipes and for booth decoration and spirit among teams and United Way agencies.