Downtown jambalaya throwdown

If you’re downtown on Friday, try closing your eyes and see if you can’t detect the savory scents of sausage, rice, and chicken. If you follow your nose, congratulations—you’ll have arrived at the River Center, where the Capital Area United Way is holding their annual Jambalaya Cookoff. Thirty-five companies from Coca-Cola to Dow Chemical are sending their best and brightest to compete in this giant fundraising event. Teams will face off in both food and physical challenges, from tug-of-war to a media-judged jambalaya taste test, to see who comes out top of the heap. The games are open to the public, and a bowl of jambalaya from the team of your choice will only cost you $5 if you pre-order from the CAUW site. (Wait ’till Friday, and it’s $7.) Pick it up drive-through style, or come inside and watch the games while you munch. Visit unitedwayevents.com to register and see the full schedule of events.