Call it a  field day for foodies. For only $6, the public can taste – and probably fill up –  on samples from 25 teams hoping to win the bragging rights as best cook of the year. The Home Builders Association of Southwest Louisiana is hosting its first cook-off ever on April 29 at Burton Coliseum, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,  and the public is invited to attend.

“It’s our first time to do this, but we’re hoping to do it again in the future,” said Krystal Blue, Home Builders Association.

Twenty-five teams will be entering their dishes in one of three categories, Cajun cuisine, barbecue and “anything goes.” Blue said she knows there will be fish, jambalaya, pastalaya and barbecue so far.  The Sowela Culinary School will provide cookies and other desserts.

In addition to sampling food from all the teams, the event promises a great entertainment line up: Dani LaCour, Khris Fuselier and a special guest appearance by Gyth Rigdon. Face painting and balloon animals will entertain the kids.

“Our contractors and associate members wanted to do something for the community to show our appreciation for the support we’ve received from the community as we’ve recovered over the past two-plus years,” said Blue. “In Southwest Louisiana , we all know food is how we show we care, so we decided a community cook-off would be a great way to say, ‘thank you.’”

Celebrity judges will decide on the winners. Admission is free for children five and under. A portion of the proceeds go to Sowela and its programs focused on residential construction.