Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) is excited to announce the return of
Gumbo Gladiators, set for Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Festival Plaza in downtown
Shreveport. This high-energy, family-friendly event brings together local businesses,
organizations, and community members for a spirited gumbo cook-off benefiting youth
and families served by VYJ.
Gumbo Gladiators features teams competing head-to-head for bragging rights, trophies,
and the coveted title of Best Gumbo, while attendees enjoy live music, food sampling,
and a festive atmosphere celebrating community and connection. Proceeds from the
event directly support Volunteers for Youth Justice programs that provide advocacy,
prevention, and intervention services for children and families across Northwest
Louisiana.
All Call for Team Sign-Ups
VYJ is now accepting team registrations for the 2026 Gumbo Gladiators. Local
businesses, civic groups, nonprofits, schools, and friend groups are encouraged to form
teams and join the fun. No professional cooking experience is required, just a passion
for gumbo and giving back.
Teams receive a designated cooking space, event exposure, and the opportunity to
showcase their gumbo to hundreds of attendees and judges. Sponsorship opportunities
are also available for teams and businesses looking to increase their community
visibility while supporting a meaningful cause.
“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
Event: Gumbo Gladiators
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Location: Festival Plaza, Shreveport, LA
Benefiting: Volunteers for Youth Justice
Team registration, sponsorship information, and event updates can be found at
gumbogladiators.com and vyjla.org. Interested teams are encouraged to register early
as space is limited.
For more information, contact Alex Person, Community Engagement and Development
Director at Volunteers for Youth Justice at 318-425-4413, [email protected]