SHREVEPORT, La. — Volunteers for Youth Justice announced the return of Gumbo Gladiators, a community cook-off scheduled for March 7, 2026, at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.
The annual event brings together local businesses, organizations, and residents for a gumbo competition that raises funds for programs supporting children and families across Northwest Louisiana. Teams will compete for trophies and the title of Best Gumbo while attendees enjoy live music, food samples, and family activities.
Proceeds from the event benefit Volunteers for Youth Justice programs focused on advocacy, prevention, and intervention services.
Team registration for the 2026 Gumbo Gladiators is now open to local groups, including businesses, civic organizations, nonprofits, and schools. No professional cooking experience is required. Teams will be provided cooking space and exposure to hundreds of attendees. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
“Gumbo Gladiators is more than a cook-off, it’s a celebration of community coming together to support Volunteers for Youth Justice and our mission,” said Alex Person, community engagement and development director. “We’re excited to welcome returning teams and invite new competitors to join us in 2026.”
Event details and registration information are available at gumbogladiators.com and vyjla.org. Interested teams are encouraged to sign up early as space is limited.