Get ready to rumble, Campbell County! The 37th Annual Heroes VS Villains Charity Chili Cookoff is back, and this year, the competition is hotter than ever. It's not just about bragging rights and a trophy this time – we're raising the bar (and the heat!) to support two amazing local heroes: YES House and the Council of Community Services.
So, what's on the menu?
Five fiery categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Not Yo Mama's Chili (think beyond the bean!), Salsa, and Guacamole. Judges will be sniffing, slurping, and savoring their way to glory, but the People's Choice Award goes to the booth that wows the crowd with the most delicious eats and epic decorations.
How can you participate?
Cook up a storm: Gather your chili comrades, choose your category (or all five!), and register early to snag the best spot. Remember, it's a competition, so be prepared to unleash your secret weapon – your grandma's recipe, a mystery ingredient, or just pure chili-making magic. You can register here.
Be a sponsor, be a hero: From Carolina Reaper Sponsors with VIP treatment and a billboard, to Bell Pepper Backers, every contribution fuels the fun and helps YES House and the Council of Community Services continue their vital work. The deadline to become a sponsor is January 8th! Learn more about sponsorship levels here.
Attend the event and taste the chili for yourself! Tickets will be available for purchase at the door! Each year roughly 5,000 people attend, so be sure to join in on the fun!
Mark your calendars:
Friday, January 19th: Chili teams get prepped, booths get set, and anticipation simmers.
Saturday, January 20th: Let the chili wars begin! Judges will crown the champions, the public will vote for their favorites, and the party will sizzle with live music, frosty beverages, and endless chili samples.
Remember:
Think outside the pot: Not Yo Mama's Chili is your chance to break the mold with vegetarian, white, or Cincinnati-style chili. Creativity is king!
Keep it cool with the balloons: Booth decorations are encouraged, but popping balloons is a no-go until the chili champion is crowned. Let's respect everyone's eardrums and keep the maintenance crew happy.
It's all for a good cause: Every chili bite, every dollar donated, and every volunteer hour makes a difference.
So, grab your apron, your spiciest recipe, and your most competitive spirit. It's time to paint Campbell County red, green, and everything in between at the 37th Annual Heroes VS Villains Charity Chili Cookoff! Let's turn up the heat and raise some serious dough for a good cause! We can't wait to see you there!
