Special to the American Press

United Way of Southwest Louisiana and its partners are hosting the third annual Battle for the Paddle event on Thursday, March 14, at the Lake Charles Event Center Amphitheatre. The event features a cookoff between more than 25 competing teams who will prepare jambalaya and pastalaya for public taste testing.

In addition to the food, attendees can enjoy a free performance by LA Roxx and live music while sipping on cold drinks and beer (which will be sold on-site).

Sampler Tickets are available for purchase at $10 for students, veterans, and first responders, and $15 for general admission. These tickets grant unlimited access to the food prepared by the competing teams.

For those aged 21 and over, VIP Lounge Tickets are available at $50 each. These tickets include all-you-can-eat samples of the food, beer, and wine, as well as comfortable raised seating for the live show.

You can enter to win 8 free VIP tickets by texting LUCKY7 to 40403.

Families can also enjoy the event for free, with activities like the kids zone and live music provided by United Way of Southwest Louisiana.

Corporate sponsorships are available and can be found at unitedwayswla.org/battle, by texting ‘BATTLESPONSOR’ to 41444, or by visiting the website.

To participate in the Battle for the Paddle, competitors can visit unitedwayswla.org/battle or text ‘BATTLE’ to 40403.

Tickets are on sale now at unitedwayswla.org/battle or by texting SHAMROCK to 40403.

At the end of the event, awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and People’s Choice for both Jambalaya and Pastalaya, as well as Best Tent Décor. Guests can also win the Best Costume Award so come dressed in your best St. Paddy’s Day outfit!

Volunteers are needed to help with the event. To volunteer, you can visit the website or text the keyword STPADDY to 40403.

Proceeds from the event will benefit a variety of Initiatives provided by United Way of Southwest Louisiana to help address challenging issues facing the community.

For more information about the 2023 Battle for the Paddle event, visit unitedwayswla.org/battle or contact the organizers at liveunited@unitedwayswla.org or 337.433.1088.