Maricopa’s first ever chili cook-off to benefit veterans proved to be a flavorful success Saturday.

“It was a good show, a good flow — people were there throughout the day,” said organizer and Province resident Patrick McCobb. 

While ten pots of chili were entered into the competition, no two pots were alike. The spice level ran the gamut. Different pots included traditional beef chili while others offered a bison chili brought by one local participant. 

Jeff Hagner, a Glennwilde resident, took home top honors in the chili category. The competition wasn’t allowed to sell chili, so they sold voting tickets instead. After tasting, the community dropped their ticket into a bowl marking their favorite pot.  

“They don’t blend together. They are all so uniquely different,” said McCobb. “One had big chunks of beef — it was great. Personally, I like chunks of beef, not too spicy. Jeff’s was good — it was just right.” 

In addition to chili, the event featured two other competition categories: dessert and cornbread. Holly Anderson took top honors with her cheesecake, while Dana Williams won the cornbread category. 

The event was put on to raise funds for Maricopa’s veteran’s memorial and support Maricopa’s growing veteran population. 

Proceeds from the event will help with maintenance and future improvements to the memorial, which honors those who have served. Organizers say the success of this first event has already paved the way for a tradition. 

“We’re going to be doing this annually,” said McCobb. “We know how to do it now. It’s a good way to generate revenue for the memorial and bring the community together.” 

The Veterans Memorial Task Force is working to establish a permanent Veterans Memorial in Maricopa to honor the service of military veterans.

Supporting this effort is Maricopa Veterans Park, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for veterans. The organization provides services, hosts community events, and fosters a sense of belonging among veterans and their families.