Batavia heats up for 23rd annual State Championship Chili Cook-Off

The Batavia Riverwalk is heating up this summer at the 23rd annual State Championship Chili Cook Off.

The Batavia Park District and Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host the event Saturday, July 25, at the Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street and Island Avenue, in downtown Batavia. Admission is free.

Concessions, including Ream's hot dogs and Oberweis ice cream, as well as the beer garden will be open to the public starting at 1 p.m. Grab your friends and head to the Riverwalk to enjoy a Ream's hot dog and some chili.

Tasting cups will be available for $5, and chili tasting begins at 2 p.m. Awards will held at about 4 p.m. Stop by to compete, or just to eat.

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 can also choose to compete in the restaurant or traditional division. Only CASI contestants will be eligible for the state title.

A People's Choice prize will be awarded in the restaurant division, and cash prizes will go to the top three chefs in the traditional division.

To enter your chili into the competition, find the application at www.bataviaparks.org.

For information, call the Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235.