Chefs, fans come out for NOLA Eats parties in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (KMIZ)

Fans from Missouri and all over the U.S. took in the sights, sounds and smells of New Orleans on Friday to kick off the Super Bowl weekend.

About a dozen food vendors lined Woldenberg Park in downtown New Orleans to welcome the weekend of the big game. The event, hosted by Pepsi, brought football and food fans from around the country.

"The party is huge," said Delorise Love from Jackson, Mississippi. "New Orleans, you can't get a better party place than this."

An ABC 17 News reporter saw a fair mix of both Philadelphia Eagles and Kanas City Chiefs gear at the event. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and Louisiana native Brian Thomas Jr. appeared at the party and said he favored the Chiefs in Sunday's matchup.