Some like it hot. Some do not. Some like it meaty, but others do not. Some even like a tasty concoction of vegetables. Whatever your personal chili tastes, you can participate in the second annual Founder’s Day Chili Cook Off on October 15 at The Duke.
The City of Maricopa and its Parks, Recreation and Libraries (PRL) Department invite you to be a participant in the traditional chili competition. You do not have to be a Maricopa resident to be a chili cook-off contestant. Casa Grande, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Hidden Valley, Stanfield or any other area chefs can sign up. There is no cost to register.
If your chili is chosen Best Overall, you will receive $100 in cash and a silver serving ladle. Your name will be engraved on the traveling chili trophy to be displayed at City Hall. Prizes will also be awarded in other chili categories, including Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian Chili, Spiciest Chili and the coveted Mayor’s Choice Award. A restaurant division will also be included.
Your prize winning chili can earn a trophy like these at this year’s Founder’s Day.
This Founder’s Day will celebrate Maricopa’s second year as an incorporated city. It will feature a beer garden and The Freddie Duran Plan, offering a wide range of music, for adults. Kids can ride in the bike rodeo and win some of the 2,000 prizes provided for the event. Carnival games like a duck pond and ring toss plus a dunk tank and an archeological dig will provide plenty of amusements for younger residents.
“Discover Maricopa” is this year’s theme. Have a fun-filled day with the entire family, and join your friends and neighbors at the city’s birthday celebration. Let everyone sample your famous, prize chili and discover why you deserve an award.
The registration deadline for chili contestants is Friday, October 7, with the first chefs’ meeting on Tuesday, October 11. Chili Cook Off information as well as registration forms are available online or at City Hall. For further information or questions, contact PRL Director Marty McDonald at (520) 568-9098, Ext. 204.
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