The 9th annual Cassidy Park Cook-Off/BBQ is Saturday, March 21, at Cassidy Park in Bogalusa.

Hosted by Louisiana Sen. Ben Nevers, the event is a competition that offers outdoor family-friendly entertainment, including live music, in a big wooded park. It is also an opportunity for attendees to taste a wide variety of delectable food and a fundraiser for The Museums of Cassidy Park, which are open to the public free.

For a $15 entry fee, visitors get to sample dishes in four food categories: fowl, seafood, beef and wild game. In the past, the menu has included deer meat and even grilled snake. Children 12 and under get in free.

Participants will also be able to enjoy the music of The Dynamic Duo of Keenan Knight and Cristen Schroeder with special guests and take part in a variety of children’s and adult activities. Exhibits at the Pioneer and Native American museums will be on display.

The Cook-Off, which also includes raffles for a variety of popular items, runs from 2 until 6 p.m, with food served at approximately 4 p.m.

Only 400 tickets will be sold, beginning with pre-sales from Wild Blu and McMillan’s Nursery in Bogalusa. Gate sales will take place only if there are tickets still available after pre-sales. Anybody from out of town who wants to ensure admittance should call the Museums office at 985-735-9188.

Leave a message, if necessary, and your call will be returned promptly.

For those with a competitive spirit, four-member cooking teams can sign up to take part until March 16 for a $35 registration fee. Call Jennifer McDow at 985-750-5270 for additional information or to get a registration form.

Various levels of sponsorships, which are acknowledged with signage at the event, are also available. For more information on that, call Johni Miles-Blount at 985-516-2756 or the Museums of Cassidy Park at 985-735-9188.

The park, which also has a playground and a splash pad, is located at 625 Willis Ave.