It’s time to pull out those famous family chili recipes and see if you have what it takes to win this year’s 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at the First Free Will Baptist Life Center , 713 N. Broadway, Checotah.
The entry fee is only $25 and you could walk away with not just bragging rights but amazing prizes: 1st place – $500 2nd place – $250 3rd place – $100 The People’s Choice $150 Best Table Décor 1st place – $100 Best Table Décor 2nd place – $50 Chili competitors will have tables provided but will need to bring a minimum of four quarts of chili or more that is ready to eat. All tables must be set up by 3 p.m. Chili samples to be judged will be picked up before 4 p.m. where a blind panel of distinguished judges will begin looking for the best cooks in the county. Then doors will open at 5 p.m. to the public.
Cost is $8 for adults. Kids from 7-11 years old eat for $6 and 6 years old & under eat free. This includes samples of all the tables, plus a drink and a dessert.
Check out all the items in the silent auction and get your bid in early as locals will have a little fun trying to out-bid each other before the bidding stops. Then stick around for the live auction of tools, art work, gift baskets, baked goods and more.
Don’t forget to bring your checkbook but of course we will also take cash.
Purchase the 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off commemorative t-shirt or sweatshirt early and get an early bird discount. T-shirts are $15 early bird or $20 at the door. Sweatshirts are $20 early bird or $25 at the door. Deadline for t-shirt sponsors to get your business name on the back is Feb. 12 so don’t delay call today!
There will also be a gun raffled off that evening. Tickets can be purchased now at Checotah Gun & Pawn, Checotah Chamber of Commerce and Checotah Perk for $1 a ticket or $5 for six tickets. You don’t have to be present to win.
Door prizes will also be drawn for one lucky adult (a 2-night stay at Janssen Park B&B) and one lucky kid.
The Chili Cook-Off benefits the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery whose board members work year round to help preserve our past for future generations to appreciate the history of Checotah and its heritage.
For more information call 405-570-3569 or 918-617-4278.
