Organizers of Saturday’s Cassidy Park Cook-Off, a benefit for the Museums of Cassidy Park, say the pot is getting sweeter, and they aren’t just talking about the cook pot.

While 17 teams have signed up to take part in the competition for the best dishes in five different categories, there will be additional opportunities to win, said Jennifer McDow.

The prizes include a passel of gift cards, and anybody can take a chance, she said.

The Museums have gathered $400 to $500 in cards from area restaurants, and one person will win them all, McDow said.

The plan is to sell the cards in one traditional deck for $10 apiece, and whoever picks the lucky card will win all of the gift cards.

That means everybody who purchases a playing card will have a one in 52 chance of winning.

And while the excitement is increasing for the visitors/ food samplers, the cooks are getting feisty. Word on the street is that the Double D team has pretty much claimed a top prize, and Councilman Michael O’Ree made a similar declaration about his Team O’Ree during a council meeting Tuesday.

The Museums hope that the competition will bring out the best dishes and a hungry crowd.

Sampling will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Live music will be provided by Big Daddy O, Jeff Harrison will demonstrate flint knapping near the museums, and inflatables will be positioned to enable adults to keep an eye on the kids.

Entry costs $10, with children aged 12 and under allowed in free of charge.

The teams currently competing for prizes and bragging rights are: Louisiana Smoke-N-Boil, Allen’s Alley, Wing Bones, The Spine & Joint Center, Team O’Ree, Bogalusa Police Department, Double D, Progressive Waste, Allons Manger, Team Who Dat, Carney’s Kitchen, Lagniappe Cooking Team, Snake Bit, Sheriff’s Chefs, Mayor’s Team, Bogalusa Fire Department and Entergy

To get an entry form, additional information, offer a gift card or to find out how to provide a sponsorship, call McDow at 750-5270.