The Awareness Washington County Board announced that the 8th annual Chili Cook Off will be held Saturday, March 8, from 4-7 p.m., at Southern Hills Church,1645 Hwy. 135, Salem.
Competition is open to anyone interested, and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories. There will be a prize for the judged Best Red Chili, as well as the judged Best White Chili. In addition, there are People’s Choice awards for Best Chili and Best Decorated booth. Other features of the event are the famous dessert auctions and the cookie cart. There will also be items available in the Silent Auction and the Bag Raffle.
Admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All-you-can-eat chili and crackers are included in the admission price, along with ballots to vote for your favorite chili and best decorated booth.
Sponsorships for the event are available as well. Sponsors will be recognized in the media, on the AWC website, on table tents at every table at the event, and on social media. There will be several hundred people attending.
Interested chili cooks can register by contacting Marji Morris on Facebook, by email at
“The event has become a social occasion,” said Morris. “Many people come at 4 p.m. and stay until the end to see who wins, although you don’t have to do that.” She continued, “Having a booth allows businesses to get themselves and their products or services in front of the public, just for the cost of their chili ingredients.” There will be a maximum of 12 teams so sign up soon, and guests can sample as many of the chilis as they can handle.
Rules for Chili Cook-off
- Prizes awarded for People’s Choice Best Chili, Best decorated booth, Judges’ choice best red chili and best white chili.
- Teams are to provide 3 crock pots (or equivalent) of the same chili.
- Typed list of major ingredients. (For those with food allergies--Exact recipe not required. You don’t have to give away your secrets.)
- Decorating limited to a 6 ft table space with 1 ft. additional space on both sides and 4ft. behind the table. Decorating is not required, but it is part of the fun. Tables are provided.
- Set up may begin at 10 a.m. Chili should be in place no later than 2:30 p.m. for judging. Teams may leave after set-up and return by 3:45 p.m.
- Collectively the team is allowed free admission for 2 adults and 2 kids. After that, tickets are adults $10/children $5.
- There is no entry fee, but we are limiting participation to 12 teams.