21st Annual What's Cookin' Chili Cookoff

There is a $35 Registration Fee which reserves your space. For more information contact Ben Cockman at 425-753-0313.

ON-SITE CHILI COOK-OFF (Be an Iron Chef for a Day!)

• Individual contestants or teams are eligible to participate.
• On-site contest: Everything must be cooked on-site.
• Two contests: The JUDGE’S Choice and The PEOPLE’S Choice.
• Judges are selected from local restaurants and politicians.
• People’s Choice Award: At 1pm Festival goers purchase a sampler/ballot for $8.
• 2:45pm Awards at Main Stage.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Judge’s Choice Awards – Cash Prizes and Trophy (1st- $300, 2nd- $100, 3rd- $50)
• People’s Choice Awards- Cash Prizes and Trophy (1st- $100, 2nd- $75, 3rd- $50)

THE 411!

• All preparation of ingredients and cooking is on-site in the Si View Community Center only (NOTHING can be pre-prepped or pre-portioned i.e. chopped onions, meat cutting, spices, special sauce unless commercially canned or bottled i.e. catsup, tomato sauce, etc).
• No wild game.
• Pre-soaking of beans must be done on-site or use canned beans.
• Electrical outlets will be available only in kitchen for a limited time.
• Registration form and $35 deposit fee must be collected by 7/31/2025.
• Participants meet at Chili Cook-off tent for set-up at 8am on 8/10/25.
• You may begin cooking no earlier than 8:30am and no later than 10am.

CONTESTANTS BRING

• A great sense of humor and the willingness to have a terrific time!
• All chili ingredients specific to your recipe.
• Contestants must provide cooking and storage equipment including coolers, stoves, propane burners, cooking thermometer, pots, towels, cooking utensils, cutting boards, etc.
• You must prepare a minimum of 8 quarts of chili to qualify.
• Food Handler’s Permits are NOT required by contestants.

WE BRING (FESTIVAL AT Mt. Si)

• A great “sense” of organization, humor and The PRIZE MONEY!
• Event set-up and management including tables, tenting, signage, hand washing area, ballots, etc.
• Paper and plastic products for distributing to the Judges and Public.
• Food Handler’s and King County Health Dept. permits.

PARKING & SET-UP

• Special parking permits will be provided for all contestants. Contact Ben Cockman.
• Volunteers will be available with carts to assist with your set-up.