Chili, friendly competition and a preview of the upcoming Mardi Gras season will take center stage Saturday, Oct. 24, as the Krewe of Gemini hosts its annual Fall Flambeaux Chili Cookoff at the krewe’s den in Bossier City.
The event is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. at 2101 E. Texas St. and will bring krewe members together for an afternoon of fall festivities, chili tasting and a first look at the newly painted floats for the 2026-2027 Mardi Gras theme, “Retro Rewind.”
The annual gathering combines food and fellowship with excitement for the upcoming parade season, giving members an opportunity to showcase their cooking skills while getting an early look at the colorful floats that will roll through the streets during Mardi Gras.
The chili cookoff will feature three competition categories: beef, chicken and other. There is no limit to the number of entries each float may submit, and participants may prepare their chili off-site.
All entries must be ready to serve in a slow cooker or other heated vessel by 12:15 p.m. for krewe members to sample. Blind judging will begin at 1 p.m.
Awards will be presented for first, second and third place, along with a People’s Choice award. Each attendee will receive one People’s Choice voting ticket, with additional votes available for $1.
The event also offers a preview of the krewe’s newly painted floats ahead of a Mardi Gras season expected to bring music, colorful displays and community celebration to northwest Louisiana.
Founded in 1989, the Krewe of Gemini is one of North Louisiana’s premier Mardi Gras organizations. The krewe produces one of the region’s largest Mardi Gras parades and supports charitable and community initiatives throughout the year.
Through its annual events and parade traditions, the organization brings families and communities together while helping maintain the region’s Mardi Gras heritage.
Following the fall gathering, the Krewe of Gemini will begin its 2026-2027 event season with its 12th Night Kickoff on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027, at the Bossier City Civic Center.
The Krewe of Gemini Grand Bal is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Shreveport Convention Center, followed by the Float Loading Party on Friday, Feb. 5, at the Krewe of Gemini Den.
The Krewe of Gemini Parade will roll Saturday, Feb. 6, bringing the “Retro Rewind” theme to life for Mardi Gras revelers.
For krewe members, the Fall Flambeaux Chili Cookoff offers a chance to enjoy good food and fellowship while building anticipation for another season of Mardi Gras celebrations in northwest Louisiana.