Batavia gets fired up for annual Chili Cook-Off

The Batavia Park District and Batavia Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host the 24th annual State Championship Chili Cook Off Saturday, July 30, at the Batavia Riverwalk downtown. This event is free.

Participants from all across the state will take part in the Chili Appreciation Society International championship cook-off in hopes of qualifying for the national competition in Terlingua, Texas.

Participants also can choose to compete in the traditional division which includes the restaurant division, or the salsa category, which is new this year. Only CASI contestants will be eligible for the state title. A People's Choice prize will be awarded, and cash prizes will go to the top three chefs in the traditional division.

Don't want to compete? Just come to eat. Concessions will be available along with chili and fresh salsa. Stop by Bernie's Bully Dogs for a hot dog and end your evening with ice cream from Colonial Café.

Tasting cups will be available for a small suggested donation of $5; tasting begins at 2 p.m.

For more information or to enter your chili or salsa into the competition, call the Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.