Annual Jambalaya Jam gets cookin’ downtown

Do you smell what’s cooking? Early this morning, teams from all over Louisiana were hauling their cast-iron pots to assigned tents downtown, getting ready for the 25th annual Capital Area United Way Jambalaya Jam. This storied event raises money for one of the biggest charitable organizations in Baton Rouge, as well as giving Baton Rougeans the chance to taste a bunch of delicious dishes. Over the last few years, the event has grown from a simple cook-off and lunch to a complete downtown festival, with live music and activities for the whole family to enjoy. A $10 ticket lets you sample unlimited jambalaya from all 46 teams, but if you can’t stay for the fun, you can grab a jam-to-go plate with any jambalaya to take home. Tonight, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. downtown at Main and Third Streets. Check cauw.org/jam for full details.