Eat or Compete in the Lyons Garden Club Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, October 25 @ mainstage brewing
Put your chili-cooking skills to the test in the Lyons Garden Club Chili Cook-Off, or simply come grab a bowl (or samples) of chili before or after the Lyons Spooktacular Parade and Halloween activities! Past years have seen ~30 local chilis entered for the cook-off and available for purchase.​
Photo: G. Bhan Photography
How to Participate
Schedule of Events
@ MainStage Brewing
3:00p - 4:00p: Chili drop-off
4:30p - 5:00p: Chili Cook-Off judging
4:30p - 7:00p: Chili samples & bowls for purchase
Chili Cook-Off Categories
4 options to choose from
Those entering the Chili Cook-Off will choose from the four categories below to enter. In addition to our long-standing three primary categories, we've added a fourth for 2024 to honor our local firefighters, and bring some heat into the Halloween season.
Red
A classic chili made with rich, hearty flavors featuring red chili peppers and a variety of savory spices. Most entrants include beef or other animal-based meats in their red chilis.
Green
A flavorful blend of green peppers and spices, bringing a fresh and tangy twist to traditional chili. Choose to include chicken or other meats as desired.
Vegetarian
Packed with bold flavors, this meatless chili celebrates an array of vibrant peppers and wholesome ingredients. Vegetarian chili can include chilis and sauces of any kind, including red, green, and white.
4-Alarm
For those who crave heat, this category brings the fire with extra-spicy chili that’s sure to test your limits! New for 2024, this category honors our local firefighters who know a thing or two about handling the heat!
Compete in the Cook-Off
1
pre-register
Make your best chili recipe. And if you think you'll enter, pre-register using this form (or give Sue Wratten a call at 636-284-9816) to help us get a chili head-count.
2
create a card
Bring a ~6x4 ingredients card to display with your chili that includes your category (red, green, vegetarian, or 4-alarm), a list of your ingredients (including the type of meat), a note on how hot (spicy) your chili is, and if your chili is gluten free, dairy free, or vegan.
3
drop off chili
Bring your crockpot and a serving ladle to MainStage Brewing between 3:00 and 4:00 pm (be sure your crockpot and ladle are labeled with your name and phone number). Optional: consider bringing a labeled extension cord (whether mini or heavier, large outdoor one).
4
time to judge
Judging will begin at 4:30! Chili Cook-Off winners from each category will receive both bragging rights as well as a $50 gift card to a local Lyons establishment.
5
chili for all
The remainder of your chili will be sold by the taste or by the bowl, with all proceeds going to the Lyons Fire Fund for the 2024 event. Buy samples from your competitors and judge for yourself!
6
pick up your pot
Pick up your labeled crockpot, ladle, or other supplies from MainStage Brewing between 7:00 and 7:30pm. (You have the option to take your items sooner if your chili sells out early.)
Prizes!
Each category winner will receive a $50 gift card to a local establishment. Past gift cards have included MainStage Brewing, Mojo Taqueria, Oskar Blues, Smokin' Daves, and more.
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Plus, winners will hold local best chili bragging rights over the coming year.
Chow Down on Chili
Anyone partaking in the downtown Lyons festivities can purchase chili during the Chili Cook-Off!​
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Simply stop by MainStage Brewing from 4:30 - 7:00 pm. You'll be able to taste all of the recipes entered into the Chili Cook-Off. Tastes are available for $1.00 each, or you'll be able to purchase a bowl for $5.00. Past participants often purchase several tastes and then settle in on a bowl of their favorite. We recommend showing up early, as chilis will sell out throughout the event!
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All chilis will be labeled with their ingredients, vegetarian/vegan status, whether or not they are gluten free, and other details.
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Proceeds from the 2024 Chili Cook-Off will be provided to the Lyons Fire Fund to honor the tireless work provided by our local heroes in saving our town.
