By Dalton Black, executive director
For the past 16 years, the Chili Cook-Off has been a staple in the Harvey County community. It began in 2006 and was organized by Prairie Harvest and Mike Petitjean of Ameriprise Financial. Harvey County United Way took over the event in 2017 and it has been our annual fundraising event ever since.
The Chili Cook-Off is coming up on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 6th & Main in downtown Newton. With over a thousand people in attendance, it’s a fun way to raise money. All proceeds from the event go directly toward Harvey County United Way’s work in the areas of health, education, and income stability, which aims to create lasting change for residents in need.
Attendees can expect to enjoy the beautiful fall day, and lots of chili to try. With nearly 20 booths, there’s a chili for everyone. The only rule is that it’s chili so it could be traditional, or venison chili, or white chili, or even vegan chili. As longs as it’s chili. Tickets are still $5 but they won’t be for much longer. If you don’t have a ticket before you arrive, you can still get one at the gate for $8.
In addition to all the tasty chili, we’ll also have some great entertainment throughout the day. While you’re waiting for your next round of chili, there will be plenty of music to enjoy. The Newton High School drumline will be performing, as well as Wichita band, Tequila Ridge.
After you’ve tried all the chili your stomach can handle, we invite you to choose your favorite chili and help them win the People’s Choice away. All you have to do to vote is throw a dollar bill into the jar at the booth of your choice. One dollar is one vote. Really like their chili? Throw in a $20, and they will be that much closer to winning the bragging rights.
We couldn’t put on such a fantastic event for the community without the support of our sponsors, booth participants, and volunteers. This year we will have volunteers from Bethel Men’s Basketball, Bethel Cheer, and NHS JAG-K students. A big thank you to all of them. Also, most booths will have information about their services or business. Please feel free to take that information for yourself or for someone you might know. It’s a small gesture to show them how much we appreciate what they do for our community, and for making the Chili Cook-Off the fantastic event that it is.
We hope to see you on Saturday, September 24!
