NATCHEZ — The competition is fierce, the purpose is informative, the cause and the food — excellent.

United Way’s campaign kick-off, the fourth annual United Way Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-off, is today at the Natchez Convention Center.

Thirteen teams from across the community will face each other in the cook-off, fighting for the first place title that will give them bragging rights for the next year.

Marsha Colson, executive director of the United Way, said the competition has grown a good deal over the years — one of the reasons the cook-off continues.

“It’s amazing how serious people get about it,” Colson said.

Serious enough to rise with the sun to get cracking on making enough jambalaya to feed 100 people.

“They can show up as early as 5:30 or 6 (in the morning) to set up to start cooking,” she said.

The food has to be prepared by 10:30 a.m. to be passed along to the 10 mystery judges.

First, second and third prize winners for the best jambalaya will be announced a little while after and a spirit award will be given.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the doors are opened to the public and a $4 admission will get patrons jambalaya, a roll, salad, a drink and dessert.

Colson said getting so much bang for your buck is part of the appeal.

“It’s a quick, easy, inexpensive lunch,” she said.

At each team’s booth, a sampling of the jambalaya can be purchased for $1. This allows for the patrons to make their choice.

A slight profit for the United Way is made through the event, said Maria Bowser, communications chair for the United Way.

The companies’ cooking teams pay for their own expenses.

“This is not coming out of United Way funds,” she stressed.

The admission money covers the expense of renting out the convention center.

The true purpose of the campaign kick-off is to inform the public.

“It’s simply to generate interest and let the public see where their money is going in supporting the agencies,” Bowser said.

The agencies the United Way support will have information tables set up at the convention center to showcase what each does for the community.

Such agencies include the Food Pantry, the Sunshine Shelter, the Guardian Shelter and more.

The theme of this year’s cook off is “Broadway: A Community Production,” and each booth will be decorated to fall in line with that theme.

Entertainment will be provided by Roscoe from First Natchez Radio and Section Eight.

The campaign to follow will stretch out until Nov. 30 and the United Way hopes to raise $150,000.

This money will be used throughout the rest of the year. It’s the organization’s operational funds.

Mike Gemmell, chairman of the United Way board, said he is nothing but excited about this year’s campaign.

He said despite the economic downturn the nation is facing, he believes the generosity will still flow.

“I’m very optimistic about this campaign,” he said.

He said he feel the organization will exceed the goal and Colson said she wants to do so, as well.

She said with the Miss-Lou community, it’s no hardship finding people willing to give.

“People here are very, very generous,” Colson said. “Mississippi is the most generous state when it comes to giving. People here care about their neighbors and that’s what the United Way is about, taking care of their neighbors.”