Special to
L’Observateur

LULING — The 13th Annual United Way of St. Charles Battle for the Paddle is Oct. 2 at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling.

The Battle for the Paddle Jambalaya and Gumbo Cook-off is a fun, family event, organizers said, where teams from across the region compete for the titles of “Best Jambalaya” and “Best Gumbo.”

This event serves as the official kick-off for the United Way of St. Charles annual fundraising campaign and helps raise awareness about the organization’s services to the community.

The Battle for the Paddle is open to the public from 3 to 8 p.m. The $5 entry fee includes all-you-can-eat gumbo and jambalaya. Attendees and participants can also enjoy live music, games and more.

Free parking will be available at three locations on Judge Edward Dufresne Drive, with bus transportation to and from a designated bus stop near the entrance gates.

New teams are welcome to enter. Early team registration is available through Thursday for $100 per category.

Beginning Friday, the registration fee is $125.

Prizes are awarded to the top three teams in the Gumbo and Jambalaya competition, including the grand prize — an engraved wooden paddle.

Attendees can also vote for their favorite team to win the “People’s Choice” award.

All team members will receive participation prizes.

The event raised over $30,000 in 2013, with a record breaking 4,000 attendees and 109 teams.

To register or for more information, visit uwaysc.org or call 985-331-9063.