Get your taste buds ready for a sampling of Asheville's finest Cajun cuisine at Asheville Mardi Gras' Fourth Annual Cajun Cook-Off and Art and Oddities Auction. This year's event takes place on January 21 at 2 p.m.

This mouth-watering event is held at Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues on Broadway. The Cajun Cook-Off and Auction is open to the public and is a fundraiser to help support the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Ball, which takes place February 19.

All are welcome to try their hand at creating Asheville's best Cajun dish. The winner takes home the annual cook-off trophy plus bragging rights until next year's cook-off, where they will defend their title. After guests are pleasantly full, the Art & Oddities Auction begins. Guests and contestants alike can find and bid on spectacular, bazaar, collectible, and crafty items created by local artists.

This event boasts the talents of local artists, chefs, and lovers of Louisiana cuisine. For a suggested $10 donation (or free with membership), you will enjoy delicious Cajun creations, dance to New Orleans jazz and zydeco, and marvel at the costuming extravaganza that comes with the spirit of the Mardi Gras Season. Colorful and creative costumes are welcome; prizes will be awarded for the best of the best.

To become a member, enter a dish into the cook-off, or donate to the Art and Oddities Auction, please visit the Asheville Mardi Gras group’s page on Facebook or ashevillemardigras.org.