Nothing beats a bowl of steaming hot chili on a cold winter day in Idaho, right? In fact, we’d even go as far as to say that no Idaho winter is complete without attending the annual Chili Cook-Off that takes place in Idaho City every year. For decades, chili enthusiasts from all over the state have come together for one day a year to celebrate with delicious chili and good company. It’s truly an “only in Idaho” type of event and it’s coming up soon, so be sure to mark your calendars for this iconic cook-off!
Calling all chili lovers! The 34th Annual Chili Cook-Off in Idaho City is coming up soon and you'll want to be sure not to miss it. This beloved event brings visitors from all over the region every year and it's always a great time.
Once a year, the small community of Idaho City holds one epic food festival near the end of the winter season. The Chili Cook-Off is a great opportunity for people to visit one of Idaho's most historic towns, all while enjoying delicious food, cold beer, and good company.
If this sounds like a fun time to you, then be sure to mark your calendars for this year's event. The 34th Annual Chili Cook-Off will take place February 15, 2020. They'll start serving the chili at noon and continue until it sells out, so prepare to get there early to get first dibs.
As one of the hottest events in this region of Idaho, the cook-off brings out a wide variety of teams who are all competing for the top prize: cold hard cash. Anybody can sign up, so consider entering if you know you've got an amazing chili recipe!
Anybody can attend the cook-off and enjoy the fun to be had, which includes live music, a silent auction, a raffle, and of course, the unveiling of who has the best chili in Idaho. Additionally, it costs just $5 to sample the different chilis and cast a vote in the People's Choice category. For an extra $5, you can receive a commemorative chili tasting cup.
The best part is that all money raised at this yearly event goes back into the Idaho City community and local tourism. Who knew indulging in unbelievable amounts of chili could feel so rewarding? You'll want to be sure to bring your appetite because there are typically more than a dozen homemade chilis to try.
The Annual Chili Cook-Off is so much more than a humble small-town event. It actually represents everything we love about living in Idaho, which includes wholesome homemade food and warm company. Be sure not to miss it this year!
Have you attended the famous Chili Cook-Off before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. For more iconic Idaho dishes, check out this list of 12 Dishes You Have To Eat In Idaho Before You Die.
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