CHILI COOKS

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WHY BECOME A CHILI COOK? 

Do you have a legendary chili recipe? Think your secret ingredients can outshine the competition? Here's your chance to prove it!

Join fellow businesses, organizations, and individuals for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition, community spirit, and amazing chili—all while supporting the Golden Welcome Center and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Compete for bragging rights, awards, and the title of Golden's Chili Champion!  But be warned—only the boldest cooks, the tastiest recipes, and the most enthusiastic teams will rise to the top.

HOW THE COMPETITION WORKS.....IN SIMPLE TERMS

Chili Cooks arrive early to set up and prepare their entries. (Unless you're a restaurant, chili must be cooked onsite during the event.)

Before the gates open, each team will submit a numbered chili sample for blind judging.  Judges will taste and score entries before selecting finalists.  Winning chilis will be crowned in the following categories:

• Best Red Chili
• Best Green Chili
• Best Vegetarian Chili

THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE SHOWDOWN

Once the event opens, the real fun begins!  Chili Cooks will serve one-ounce samples (sample cups provided) to hungry attendees throughout the event. Guests will cast their votes electronically for:

• People's Choice Best Red Chili
• People's Choice Best Green Chili
• People's Choice Best Vegetarian Chili
• People's Choice Showmanship Award

Bring your best chili—and your best team spirit—to win over the crowd!

AWARDS CEREMONY

Judge's selections and People's Choice selections will be announced from the event stage near the end of the event.  Will your team take home the hardware and bragging rights for the year?

ELIGIBILITY

All Chili Cooks must carefully review the 2026 Chili Cook Rules before submitting an application.  Applications will be reviewed, and accepted participants will be notified.  Businesses, nonprofits, community groups, restaurants, clubs, and individuals are all welcome to enter the competition.  There is a $100 participation fee, but it's 100% refunded after the event, upon your participation.

BOOTH INFORMATION

Each Chili Cook team will be assigned a 10' x 10' booth space located on grass.  Chili Cooks booths will be distributed throughout the event, among beverage and business exhibitor booths.  Cooks must provide their own tent or canopy and any booth decorations.  Read the rules!  Show off your creativity—eye-catching displays and team spirit can help earn valuable People's Choice votes!

READ THE 2026 CHILI COOK RULES BELOW - FOR COMPLETE DETAILS!