Sandra Levron Adams
December 29, 2008
The good, the bad and ugly in Tri-parish sports in 2008
December 31, 2008
Chili cooks are set to go head to head to see who’s the top chef in the Krewe of Mardi Gras’ annual Chili Cook-off.
The Krewe of Mardi Gras has hosted the event for the past 10 years. This year’s cook-off is set for Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. at the Terrebonne Ag Building on the Houma Airbase.
The competition is open to any chili cook, according to krewe Captain S.P. LaRussa. In past years, LaRussa said the cookoff has attracted more than 80 teams battling for the title.
The cost to participate is $50 per team, which is limited to four team members. Each team has to supply its own ingredients and cooking utensils.
“This is a one-day event for all to enjoy. We expect lots of people to come out to show their support to the krewe and to watch each of the teams cook,” he said. “They come at 9 a.m. and they don’t leave until it’s over most times.”
The public also has an opportunity to taste the homemade chili after the competition, he added.
Judging for the chili cook-off begins at 3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first through fourth places.
LaRussa said the first place team will take home a whopping $1,000 cash prize. Second place receives $500, third gets $300 and fourth place wins $200.
Immediately following the judging, the Krewe of Mardi Gras opens bidding at its annual live auction. LaRussa said the auction features gifts like LSU memorabilia, fishing and rod equipment and Mardi Gras items.
“Each of the Houma parade captains donates an item for the live auction,” he said. “It’s a way for them to show their support to our organizations.”
The fun does not stop there. Brad Richard provides musical entertainment from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Foret Tradition takes over afterward and closes out the night.
“Residents can indulge in the many foods that will be available and listen to some live entertainment while waiting for the winner to be crowned,” LaRussa said.
The most notable event outside of the chili cooking is the raffle drawing. This year, the krewe is raffling off a 2008 Harley Davidson “Fat Boy.”
Unfortunately, not everyone is a motorcycle lover. LaRussa said if the winner prefers a cash prize, the krewe will hand them $10,000 in place of the motorcycle. Raffle tickets are $50 each.
The Krewe of Mardi Gras dates back nearly 13 years. LaRussa said its one of East Houma’s premiere carnival clubs. The cook-off was started as the group’s major fundraiser to help offset the cost of hosting East Houma’s only Carnival parade.
“We want to put on a first-class parade every year,” he said.
The Krewe of Mardi Gras is a female/male krewe with more than 600 members. LaRussa said he likes to think that the club gives everyone a chance to be a part of a parading Carnival krewe without all of the overhead cost.
“We make it so that anyone can join our club. You don’t have to own your own business or be well-off,” he said. “That’s why we have events like this. So our members don’t have to pay outrageous club fees.”
The admission price for the cook-off is $5 a person. For more information or to purchase tickets to participate in the chili cook-off or the raffle call (985) 872-0444.
