The aroma of jambalaya will once again fill downtown Minden as the annual Jambin’ on Main Jambalaya Cookoff returns Saturday, November 7, with cash prizes, friendly competition, and an opportunity for local cooks to show off their culinary skills.
Presented by Orleans on Main Bistreaux, the event will bring teams together in Minden’s historic downtown district to compete for top honors and bragging rights. Organizers say a limited number of spots remain available for teams interested in participating.
The entry fee is $150 per team, with up to four members allowed on each team. Each registered team will receive a 10-by-10-foot cooking space and the opportunity to compete for cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.
In addition to the judged competition, teams will have a chance to earn the People’s Choice Award, giving attendees an opportunity to recognize their favorite jambalaya.
Last year’s competition saw Team F.O.C., consisting of Tommy Sumner and Justin Smart, take home first place and the $1,000 grand prize. Pot Stirrer, represented by Ben Gorman and Sha Smith, claimed second place, while Ponderosa Pot Stirrers, made up of Randy Stevenson and Hays Brown, earned third place and the People’s Choice Award.
The cookoff has become a popular addition to Minden’s fall event calendar, bringing together local cooks, businesses, and visitors for a day of food and community activity.
Teams interested in competing are encouraged to register soon, as space is limited. Registration is available online at https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2484/campaign/10341.
With $1,500 in cash prizes on the line, the competition promises another opportunity for area cooks to put their recipes to the test.