89.7 The River Chili Cook Off

• 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM ~~ Set up Booths Only (after 8:30, all entries that are late will be disqualified with no refund)
• 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM ~~ Meeting with Team Captains
• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM ~~ Professional Judging
• 10:00 AM ~~ Public Doors Open
• 1:30 PM ~~ People’s Choice Voting Ends
• 2:00 PM ~~ Winners Announced
• 3:00 PM ~~ Event Ends/Load Out Begins

Chili Cook Off Rules

• Must Prepare 5 gallons (2oz tastings for 500 people) 
• Certified Piedmontese will be providing all beef. Other meat products will be the contests responsibility to provide.
• (All contests are responsible to pick up their beef on Thursday, February 26^th from The Mercato – Certified Piedmontese
• located in Maple Creek Office Park, 16250 Evans Plaza, Omaha, NE 68116)
• We will provide 1 table per team, supply outlets, tasting cups and spoons.  Contestants are responsible for any additional tables needed and utensils. 
• You will receive a jar for public voting.  Clearly display this at your station for public voting. 
• Professional judging will be done before doors open.  People’s Choice votes will be tallied no later than 1:30pm, a winner will be announced at 2p.
• At least one person from your team must be present during the chili cook off.
• Chili must be served from a crock pot or similar slow cooker.
• Awards: 1^st Place -$500, 2^nd Place $200, 3^rd Place -$100.  Ribbons will be awarded for Best Booth display, Most Creative/Unique Chili, Spiciest Chili and People’s Choice.
• All left over chili will be donated to Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue.
• Failure to comply with rules will result in disqualification.  Decisions of the officials are final.  In the case of disqualification, the officials monitoring the event will immediately notify the captain of the team and give the reason for disqualification.
• Contact for any other questions – sophiajohn@897theriver.com; or reilyhiles@897theriver.com

Captains! Register Now!

Registration deadline is January 31^st, 2026