State and regional chili cook-offs start Saturday

The annual state and regional chili cook-offs kick off Saturday in front of LSU’s Parker Coliseum. The regional cook-off begins at 10:30 a.m. and will include some of south Louisiana’s best chili cooks showing off their finest versions of red, chili verde, salsa and home-style chili. Proceeds from the event benefit Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Tasting tickets will be available for $5 for six bowls of chili. The state chili cook-off follows on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The cook-offs takes place in conjunction with the 12th annual Spring Garden Show on Saturday and the fifth annual Spring Car Show on Sunday.