Hackberry, Louisiana to Host Unique Spaghetti Cook-Off for Colors

KNGT | Hackberry, Louisiana — There are just some causes that stick with you. For me, Colors for a Cause is one of them.

Our good friend Buddy Russ believed in this organization with his whole heart. I can still hear him telling me, "Scotty, keep doing whatever you can to help spread the word." That's something I've never forgotten. Every time they've got an event coming up, I think about Buddy, and I try to do my little part.

Now they've gone and come up with something I've honestly never heard of before. A Spaghetti Cook-Off. Now look... I've been to gumbo cook-offs, jambalaya cook-offs, chili cook-offs, barbecue cook-offs, even cracklin' cook-offs. But spaghetti? Only in Hackberry.

Then again, this is Hackberry, Louisiana, nothing really surprises me anymore, and that's exactly why I love it.

When is the Spaghetti Cookoff?

If you've got a team that thinks they've got the best spaghetti recipe around, this might be your chance to prove it. Teams of four can enter for $50, cooking starts bright and early at 7:00 a.m., judging is at 11:00 a.m., and they'll have plate lunches ready by 11:30 a.m. for everybody who's hungry.

If cooking isn't your thing, there's still plenty going on. They'll have Quarter Bingo starting at 9:00 a.m., a Silent Auction, and a 50/50 Split the Pot. Sounds like a pretty good Saturday if you ask me.

The Summer Day of Hope is happening Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Hackberry Community Center, located at 980 Main Street in Hackberry.

More than anything, this day is about helping families and supporting a cause that's touched so many lives right here in Southwest Louisiana. Russ would've been right in the middle of it, probably smiling from ear to ear and telling everybody to buy another raffle ticket or grab another plate of spaghetti. So let's keep doing what he asked.

If you're free Saturday, head on down to Hackberry, have some fun, eat some spaghetti, and help out a great cause. I have a feeling Buddy would be proud to see everybody showing up once again.

10 Famous People You Didn’t Know Were From Lake Charles, Louisiana

Louisiana is famous for a lot—mouthwatering food, vibrant festivals, Zydeco, and Cajun music. But did you know the Bayou State has also produced some seriously talented actors, actresses, and film directors? Not to mention, Hollywood loves Louisiana, with hundreds of movies filmed right here!

And while New Orleans often steals the spotlight, it's not the only Louisiana city with star power. Southwest Louisiana has its own share of big-name celebrities! You might be surprised to learn that some of Hollywood’s brightest stars actually got their start right here in Lake Charles.

Check out the famous faces you probably didn’t know were from SWLA!

Gallery Credit: Gina Cook