Self Creek Chili Cook-Off in Arkansas Raises Nearly $4K for Scholarship Fund

The 10th Self Creek Chili Cook-Off took place this past Saturday (October 25) in Kirby, Arkansas, on Lake Greeson just up the road from Texarkana. It was a cool, rainy day, perfect for delicious chili, and it was all for a great cause!

The Perfect Day for Chili and Charity

Eight teams started cooking around 9 that morning, and by noon, a live band was playing, and the public was invited to taste all the chili, and then they voted for their favorite with a donation. Those donations were tallied

A Judge's Work Is Never Easy: Scoring the Chili

I was one of four judges and we had our work cut out for us. We evaluated on several different criteria. From overall Flavor, Seasoning Blend, Aroma, and Color, Meat Texture and the chili's Consistency (Not too thick, Not too runny...Just Right)

And the Winners Are... Self Creek Cook-Off Results

Congratulations to the Winners!

Turbo Nators took first place with their chili.

Hog Wild Heat came in 2nd Place

Jolly Roger won 3rd Place.

The People's Choice Award went to Just Chili.

READ MORE: See Peak Fall Colors on an Arkansas Train Ride 

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Nearly $4,000 Raised for the Scholarship Fund

Between the cook-off, raffles, and the auction, the generosity of the guests and chili teams raised almost $4,000 for the Self Creek Scholarship Fund!

It was a great weekend for a great cause, and I already can't wait for next year!