10/05/2026
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THE BEST CHILI COOK-OFF WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI?
Well…we like to think so. (Wink, wink.)
Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about chili?
Planning officially kicked off this week for the 2027 RTFL Annual Chili Cook-Off, and under the leadership of our Co-Chairs Kaci and Sterling Van Coutren, we’re already getting fired up for another great year!
So grab your calendar and save the date:
Saturday, January 16, 2027
12:00 noon
Round Top R***e Hall
And because Round Top is famous for having the longest-running Fourth of July parade west of the Mississippi, we thought our Chili Cook-Off deserved a little “west of the Mississippi” bragging rights of its own. Completely unofficial, of course, but if you were there last year, you know why we’re tempted to claim it!
Here’s what we can share so far:
• Two Chili Divisions
Cookers will once again compete in Traditional Chili and Open Chili divisions.
• Prize Money Is Back
The First Place winner in the Traditional Chili Division will take home $1,000, and the First Place winner in the Open Division will receive $500.
• The New and Improved Judging Criteria Returns
Under the leadership of Shirley Hernandez Schmidt, we’ll bring back the judging criteria introduced last year — a format that was a big hit with our cooks and judges.
• Cooker Registration Opens in Early November
Registration will be online and super easy. And here’s a reason to be ready when it opens: the first five teams to register get first choice of their Chili Cook-Off tent location!
• And yes…our patriotic theme is coming back, too! Last year’s “Freedom Never Tasted So Good” was simply too much fun to retire. So expect the Round Top R***e Hall to once again be decked out in red, white and blue as we celebrate great chili, friendly competition and one terrific community.
There’s much more to come, but for now:
SAVE THE DATE — JANUARY 16, 2027!
Visit ilovetoread.org and click on the Events tab where we feature photos from the last chili cook-off so you can see how fun it is and get inspired! And don’t forget … Freedom Never Tasted So Good!!!
