7th Annual Chili Cookoff Celebration Registration Open
Dear Friends:
We are pleased to announce our 6th Annual Chili Cook-off will be held at the new Iron Trail Motors Event Center
on Thursday, September 17th, 2026. This event brings friendly competition and chili tasting for the whole
community. All proceeds will be used in support of Rotary Club projects within the quad cities area.
The Iron Range Rotary Club would like to invite you to participate in our 7th Annual Rotary Chili Cook-Off
Celebration by showcasing your favorite chili. This is a terrific opportunity to continue to promote your business,
organization or individual cooking skills while offering a fun filled evening for the community.
▪ REGISTRATION FORMS: The Registration Form and the $50 Deposit must be
returned to Iron Range Rotary at P.O. Box 1074, Virginia, MN 55792 by
Monday, August 17, 2026 to be included in the posters and newspaper
advertising.
▪ ENTRY FEE: Don’t forget to include your $50 Refundable deposit. When you
come to the event to cook, your deposit will be returned or destroyed.
The Chili Cook Off is Iron Range Rotary’s biggest fundraiser each year. The Iron Range Rotary Club provide
financial assistance and also volunteers to support our community. Annually we give back over $30,000 to our
local communities. Projects that we would like to continue to provide for are:
-The Annual Gary Carlson Rotary Kids Fishing & Casting Contest
-The Salvation Army-monthly donations to the Salvation Army (including volunteering at their facility as
well as holiday season bell ringing)
-Scholarships- Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Scholarships, High School Scholarships, and College
Scholarships.
-Camp Scholarships- Financial Support for campers attending Camp Esquagama (including the
Explorer’s program) and 4-H Youth Programs.
-Others: Dictionaries to area third graders, support to Youth Sports, support to Habitat for Humanity,
sponsor of Festival of Trees, and others.
In addition to the above, there are international projects that our club provides financial support.
The Iron Range Rotary Club is a 501(c)4 IRS designation charity.
We provide tablecloths, but as a participant you are asked to decorate your serving table any way you choose.
This is the best opportunity for you to proudly display your business, organization, etc. We offer many chili
awards, including the Spirit Award for the most decorated chili table that is voted as being the most creative by
the attendees.
You’ll see that we’ve attached two inserts. The first is general information while the second is an application. We
would encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible as there are limited spots available. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ashley Samargia at 218-749-8340.
Warmest Regards,
Iron Range Rotary President:
Joe Uhan
Download Registration Form Here
Location: The Iron Trail Motors Event Center
Schedule:
1:00 -3:00pm Chili Cooks check in (Chili must be at least 140 degrees upon arrival)
4 pm Judging begins
4:00 - 5:00pm Doors open to the public for Social Hour
5:00 - 6:30pm Chili Tasting/voting by attendees
7 pm Program begins, chili winners announced, prize winners announced
Guidelines:
▪ Each contestant must provide A MINIMUM OF 7 GALLONS OF CHILI. (While serving your chili at the
event, please follow fill cup lines as instructed, so you don’t run out too soon). All cooking must be
completed prior to arrival at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center, must arrive at 140 degrees or higher
and remain hot throughout the event. If you reheat your chili you absolutely MUST follow the proper
Minnesota Department of Health State cooling guidelines which we will provide. Chili temperatures
will be monitored throughout the evening. Chili must be prepared and made with USDA approved
store purchased ingredients, however, fresh garden vegetables are acceptable.
▪ All cooks must provide their own heating element for the chili plus any other containers needed for
condiments. Chafing dishes using Sterno heat are preferred but electric roasters are acceptable.
Electrical outlets are extremely limited. Teflon roasters or crock pots are not allowed. We provide
each cook with tasting cups labeled with their name and a serving ladle.
▪ REGISTRATION FORMS: The Registration Form and the $50 Deposit must be
returned to Iron Range Rotary at P.O. Box 1074, Virginia, MN 55792 by
Monday, August 17, 2026 to be included in the posters and newspaper
advertising.
▪ ENTRY FEE: Don’t forget to include your $50 Refundable deposit. When you
come to the event to cook, your deposit will be returned or destroyed.
Space is limited to 35 entrants.
Official Judging in These Categories
Individual Best Chili & Most Creative
Club and/or Organization Best Chili & Most Creative
Professional Best Chili & Most Creative
One Spirit Award and One Taster’s Choice Award will be voted upon
by the public and will include all contestants!
