Cook-Off time approaches

Chugwater chili tradition marks 33 years

Staff
Posted 6/6/18

CHUGWATER — The 33rd annual Chugwater Chili Cook-Off is 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16 at Staats Park, 370 Second St. in Chugwater.

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Cook-Off time approaches

Chugwater chili tradition marks 33 years

Posted

CHUGWATER — The 33rd annual Chugwater Chili Cook-Off is 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. June 16 at Staats Park, 370 Second St. in Chugwater.
The event’s official website, chugwaterchilicookoff.org, reports the event will feature activities for all ages, including chili tasting; a car show complete with trophies; children’s games, crafts and an updated outdoor playground; shopping at various food and product vendors; an art show with a chance to win a painting; and an adults-only beer tent. The site anticipates more than 3,000 attendees. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children younger than 13.
The cook-off is a nationally recognized event through the Chili Appreciation Society International. It is open to anyone. Chili cookers can download a registration form by following the Cookers link at chugwaterchilicookoff.org, as well as the CASI rule book.
Cookers can sign up to compete in red or green chili categories, as well as salsa. The first entry cost $20 and each additional entry costs $10. Red and green chili categories for juniors under age 18 cost $10 to enter.
Free campsites are available for chili cooking teams on a first come, first served basis. Campsites for anyone else are $5, and passes can be purchased at the Chugwater Fire Hall, 101 Bowie St., starting at noon June 15.

Registered cooks and their parties are also welcome to a complimentary evening meal the night of June 15. Cooks also receive a cloth gift bag with items from event sponsors.
Cooking starts at 9 a.m. and judging starts at 1 p.m. June 16.
Vendors can rent 10-by-10-foot spaces for $25, or $40 for a space with electricity, to sell products and food other than chili. Vendor registration packets are available under the Vendors tab at chugwaterchilicookoff.org.  
Live bands start performing at 10 a.m. with Children at Play, followed by Lendon James and the Highway 34 Band at noon, Southern Fryed at 2 p.m. and Tie Hack at 5 p.m.
The 2018 Chugwater Chili Cookoff Car and Pickup Show has a new location right next to Staats Park. Car show entries cost $20 each before June 9, or $25 the day of the event. Classes include stock, classic, muscle (pre-1972), muscle (1972 and newer), custom, street rod, pickup and rat rod. Trophies are awarded for each class, best of show, people’s choice and best 21-and-under entry. Contestants check in at the Chugwater Fire Hall from 8-9 a.m. The car show and voting for people’s choice happen 9 a.m.-noon. Awards for both the car show and chili cookoff are announced at 4 p.m.
The painting by artist Dave Sneesby, of Casper, to be raffled at the art show is a depiction of a Chugwater Chili Cook-Off ticket booth, according to the event’s Facebook page. Sneesby, who also donated the painting for the raffle, is the son of Gene and Elsie Sneesby, who both grew up east of Chugwater. He is currently a board member and building manager for the Casper Artists Guild, a member of the Scotch and Watercolor Society, and member of the Wyoming Watercolor Society.
Support of the Chugwater Chili Cook-Off since 1986 benefits the Chugwater community, including local nonprofit groups like the Chugwater School student organizations (FFA and FBLA), Chugwater Fire and Ambulance, Chugwater Historical Unity Group, Chugwater Housing and Economic Development and the Chugwater Community Center.
The Chugwater Chili Cook-Off is always the third Saturday of June, the Saturday before Father’s Day.
For more information, call 307-422-4454.