No, not barbequed nutria.  I’m talking about two different events, taking place on the same day.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 23, 2013:

• Sassafras Louisiana’s 2nd Annual Nutria Rodeo, held at the regional park in Larose, LA.  Designed to raise awareness of invasive species’ impact on Louisiana’s fragile coastal environment, the event features music, food, and prizes in the following categories:  nutria, asian carp, feral swine, and apple snail.  Attendance is free, with food and beverages available to purchase.  Each rodeo entry is $20, which includes food and benefits the sponsoring nonprofit organization.  Scales open at 2:00, close at 5:00, and awards are presented at 6:30.  Full details available here.
• 5th Annual Hogs for the Cause, a mega barbecue cookoff in at the City Park festival grounds.  Beginning at 11 am, more than 80 cooking teams will compete for bragging rights, with music on two stages featuring 8 bands.  The entire event benefits pediatric brain cancer patients and their families.  See all the ticket options here.

Spring is officially here when multiple worthy outdoor events compete for your attention.