Get fired up for annual CASI Chili Cook-Off Aug. 7 in Batavia
The Batavia Park District and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host the 29th annual Illinois State Championship Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Peg Bond Center, 151 N. Island Ave.
To compete in the CASI state competition, the entry fee is $25. Sign up between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. the day of, or email Brittany Meyer at brittanym@bataviaparks.org in advance. There are three competition categories: Illinois State Championship Cook-off (CASI), Traditional Chili Division, and Nonprofit Organization Division.
Batavian Jay Cherry, an acoustic guitarist, plans to perform classic rock and pop hits from the 1960s through the 1990s from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Care to sample the various chili options? Tastings begin at 1:30 p.m., while supplies last. The fee is $5 for a spoon. No registration is required to watch or to sample the chili.
Concessions are available courtesy of Duke's Dogs Chicago Style Hot Dog Cart.
Gindo's Hot Sauce Tasting Competition will begin at 2 p.m.
Participants from all across the state are taking part in the Chili Appreciation Society International championship cook-offs in hopes of qualifying for the 54th annual national competition on Nov. 3-6 in Terlingua, Texas.
Participants also can choose to compete in the traditional division or nonprofit organization division.
For more information, call the Batavia Park District at (630) 879-5235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.