Area chefs are preparing to show off their cooking skills for the inaugural Warriors Jambalaya Cook-off to benefit the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home and Veterans Cemetery.

The event, sponsored by the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home and Cemetery Ancillary Committee, will be held 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park off Interstate 10 in Jennings.

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time and help our veterans,” Veterans Home Therapeutic Specialist 2 Kaly Gist said.

Registration is now open. The cost to enter is $75 per team. Entries will be accepted at the gate the day of the event.

“The teams can cook whatever kind of jambalaya they would like, but they must cook enough to serve 75 people,” Veterans Home Therapeutic Specialist 2 Kaly Gist said.

Teams will be competing for first, second and third place and People’s Choice.

Teams will begin setting up at 7:30 a.m. in the park. Teams are encouraged to decorate their booths.

All ingredients, cooking and cleaning supplies and serving utensils must be provided by each team. Organizers will provide bowl, utensils and napkins for serving.

Pre-cooked rice and pre-seasoned meats will be permitted, but no other pre-cooked or box items will be allowed.

Serving and tasting will begin by 11 a.m. Plaques will be presented to first, second and third place and People’s Choice voted on by the public. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

There will be a $10 entrance fee for spectators. The cost will include a bracelet to participate in the tasting, bowl, utensils and one ticket to vote for the People’s Choice award.

In addition to the jambalaya cook-off, burgers, sausage on a stick, chips, drinks, cookies, brownies and more will be sold.

A corn hole tournament will also be held. The cost to enter is $20 for a two-person team. Other activities will include balloon arts for kids and a raffle.

Music will be provided by DJ Terry Courville of the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 215.

Proceeds from the event will help the Ancillary Committee support the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home and Veterans Cemetery.

The committee has used proceeds from past events to help pay for half of a bingo console for the home and leaves for the memorial tree in the home’s chapel.

It recently helped purchase a wind break for outdoor funerals at the veterans cemetery.

No alcohol or outside drinks will be allowed.

For entry form or more information, email ancillarycookoff@yahoo.com