This first-year Chili Cook-off is a freestyle competition. There are no categories. Just cook your best chili. If you call it chili – we call it chili! The public will be your judge. So any combination of meat, veggies, seasonings and spices will work. It can be meatless, beanless, vegetarian, your choice. Garnishes like onions, cheese, jalapeno’s or sour cream are optional.

Booth & Conduct

• Setup: Supply your own cooking equipment, fuel, condiments, serving ladle, etc. Also your own canopy or cover, table(s) and chairs and fire extinguisher.

• Decorate: Personalize your booth/area.

• Cleanup: Responsible for cleaning your area and removing all items.

• Prohibited: Offensive displays, firearms, interfering with others.

Preparation & Cooking Rules

• From Scratch: All chili must be made from raw ingredients (meat, spices, veggies) on-site, with cooking starting at 8am.

• Prohibited Prep: No pre-cooking, pre-treating, marinating, or using commercial chili mixes

• Allowed Prep: Grinding spices, chopping vegetables, and using canned tomatoes/sauces/peppers are usually permitted.

• Sanitation: Cook in open, sanitary conditions, often requiring gloves and proper equipment.

• On-Site: Cook in your designated area using approved heat sources (propane, camp stoves). 

You may cook as much chili as you like (but retain 3 Gallons for the competition) and can sell it to the public. We use tokens as payment. The public buys tokens at $2 each – they then exchange tokens for samples of your chili. Unless you obtain a certificate from the Health Department you are limited to 3oz servings. You can sell the samples for 1-2 tokens. Collect the tokens and they will be counted by you and designated staff and you will be issued a check for 75% of the token value, 25% is retained for operating expenses.

The Chili Judging will take place in the Judging Tent. You must provide 3 gallons of chili and a way to keep it warm (crock pots, sterno, etc) Electricity is available.

• Judging is between 1 and 3pm.

• Judges will sample the presented chili’s (sample cups and spoons provided) and make their choices by voting tickets.

• At the end of the judging, the votes will be tallied and results will be announced at the awards ceremony at 5:30pm that evening at the entertainment stage.

• You must collect your containers and any remaining chili by 3:30pm. If any remaining chili has been properly maintained it can then be sold to the public.

• 1st Place – $300

• 2^nd Place – $200

• 3^rd Place – $100

Vendor Registration Ends May 1, 2026

All payments must be received by May 1, 2026.