The River Chili Cook Off & Winter Market
Saturday, February 28th at Mid America Center
Think your Chili has what it takes??
Register today!
CLICK HERE
Registration deadline is January 31st, 2026. There are a limited number of spots available, do not stall, register today!
Local celebs from Fooligan Eats, and area Restaurants Association reps will be judging on multiple categories including most creative and spiciest!
All leftovers will be donated to Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue!
Schedule of events for 89-7 The River’s Chili Cook Off will be as follows:
7am – 8:30am: Set Up Booths Only (after 8:30, all entries that are late will be disqualified with no refund)
8:45am – 9am: Meeting with Team Captains.
9am – 9:30am: Professional Judging
10am: Public Doors Open
1:30pm: People’s Choice Voting Ends
2pm: Winners Announced
3pm: Event Ends/Load Out Begins
Chili Cook Off Rules:
A Must Prepare 5 gallons (2oz tastings for 500 people)
B 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 26th from The Mercato – Certified Piedmontese located in Maple Creek Office Park, 16250 Evans Plaza, Omaha, NE 68116)
C We will provide 1 table per team, supply outlets, tasting cups and spoons. Contestants are responsible for any additional tables needed and utensils.
D You will receive a jar for public voting. Clearly display this at your station for public voting.
E 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.
F Judging will be based on: Visual Appeal, Aroma, Taste, Spice/Zip and Heartiness.
G At least one person from your team must be present during the chili cook off.
H Chili must be served from a crock pot or similar slow cooker.
I Awards: 1st Place – $500, 2nd Place – $200, 3rd Place – $100. Ribbons will be awarded for Best Booth display, Most Creative/Unique Chili, Spiciest Chili and People’s Choice.
J All left over chili will be donated to Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue.
K 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.
L Contact for any other questions – sophiajohn@897theriver.com; or reilyhiles@897theriver.com
M Deadline to register is January 31st. There are a limited number of spots available, do not stall, register today!