The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, today announced that the 16th Annual Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff will take place Saturday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., in Uptown Mount Vernon.
The chili cookoff is open to the public. The event features up to 30 chili cooking teams vying for a total of $450 in cash prizes including prizes for Best Chili with meat, Best Chili without meat, and Best Team Theme (costumes encouraged).
The cooking will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the public invited to the tasting portion of the event from 4 to 7 p.m. Chili samples in biodegradable cups are available for a 25-sample “passport” card for $20. Beer, soda and water are available for purchase. Admission to the event is free.
Also scheduled is a Bags Tournament starting at 3 p.m. Those interested in signing up for the bags tournament are asked to contact Aaron Truitt at [email protected] or sign up at the event.
“Mount Vernon and Lisbon love chili and this event has become a family favorite every October for 16 years,” said event chair Sue Margheim. “This is a great way to try chili, support a local non-profit and socialize with friends and family!”
Chili team applications are available at visitmvlsun.com