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Join the Excitement: Our Annual Chili Cookoff on January 31 for All Residents!

  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

The countdown is on! Our Annual Chili Cookoff is just days away, set for January 31. This event is a highlight for many residents, especially those who enjoy good food, friendly competition, and community spirit. Whether you want to enter your own chili recipe, help judge the entries, or simply enjoy tasting a variety of chilis, this event welcomes everyone. From mild to spicy, hot, chicken, and vegetarian chilis, there’s something for every palate. Plus, residents bring delicious sides like cheese, bread, butter, and rice to complement the main dishes.

Poser of Old Town Campground's Chili Cookoff with date, January 31, 2026
A flavorful day for all Old Town Campground's senior residents! Years of making chili has fine-tuned a number of chili recipes from standard to chicken to vegetarian!


What Makes the Chili Cookoff Special


The Chili Cookoff is more than just a food event. It’s a chance for residents to connect, share recipes, and celebrate the flavors that bring us together. Many participants have been entering their chili for years, perfecting their recipes and trying new twists. The variety is impressive:


  • Mild chilis for those who prefer gentle flavors

  • Spicy and hot chilis for heat lovers

  • Chicken chilis offering a lighter alternative to traditional beef

  • Vegetarian chilis that are hearty and full of flavor


This range ensures everyone can find a favorite or discover something new. The event also encourages creativity, with some residents adding unique ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, or unexpected vegetables.


How to Participate


Joining the Chili Cookoff is easy and fun. Here’s how you can get involved:


Enter Your Chili


If you love cooking, bring your best chili recipe to the table. You don’t need to be a professional chef—just passionate about your chili. Make sure to prepare enough to share with judges and attendees. Label your chili clearly, especially if it’s vegetarian or contains chicken.


Be a Judge


Judging is a great way to taste many chilis and help decide the winners. Judges look for flavor balance, originality, texture, and presentation. If you want to be a judge, sign up early to get instructions and scoring sheets.


Come to Eat and Enjoy


Not entering or judging? No problem. Come hungry and ready to sample a variety of chilis. Bring your appetite and enjoy the sides that residents bring, like fresh bread, cheese, butter, and rice. These extras make the tasting experience even better.



Bowl of chili with hamburg, kidney beans and corn.
Does your chili have meat or beans or both?

Tips for First-Time Participants


If this is your first time at the Chili Cookoff, here are some tips to make the most of it:


  • Bring a small cooler to keep your chili warm or chilled before serving.

  • Label your dish clearly with ingredients and spice level.

  • Try a little of everything to discover new favorites.

  • Bring a reusable bowl and spoon to reduce waste.

  • Chat with other residents about their recipes and cooking tips.


This event is as much about community as it is about food. Sharing stories and recipes adds to the fun.


What to Expect on January 31


The event will take place at the pavilion from 2 PM until everyone leaves. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with tables set up for tasting and socializing. There will be plenty of seating for everyone, and a fire for those who dislike the cold weather. If it's supposed to rain, the contest will happen on February 1 at 2 PM.


Expect to see:


  • A wide range of chili styles and flavors

  • Residents mingling and sharing cooking tips

  • Tables with sides like cheese, bread, butter, and rice

  • Friendly competition with prizes for the best chili in different categories


Whether you come for the food, the fun, or the company, the Chili Cookoff promises a memorable day.


Big pot of chili
Cooking and blending flavors for Old Town Campground's next Chili Cookoff

Why You Should Join the Chili Cookoff


This event offers more than just a meal. It builds community and creates lasting memories. For RV campers and retired residents, it’s a chance to meet neighbors, share stories, and enjoy a day of good food and laughter. The Chili Cookoff also encourages trying new flavors and cooking styles, which can inspire your own recipes.


Plus, the event supports local traditions and helps keep the community vibrant. It’s a perfect way to spend a winter day, warming up with a bowl of chili and good company.



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