MONONA, Wis. (WMTV) – Taste-testers packed Ahuska Park Saturday for the 43rd annual Monona Chili Cook-Off.
Dozens of local businesses and families competed for top chili honors.
The event, organized by the Monona Eastside Business Alliance, also featured live music from the Foo Foo Dolls, a 90s cover band based in Madison.
Organizers said the cook-off is a way to bring the community together and highlight local businesses.
“The event really is for the community of Monona. They’ve been doing it forever. We just want people to have a good time. It’s gorgeous weather today. We want them to get inspired and come and cook next year,” said Christine Welcher, executive director of the Monona Eastside Business Alliance.
43rd annual chili cook-off at Ahuska park in Monona, WI.(Kennedy DuPont)
For some competitors, the event was about more than winning a trophy.
“I really love being able to come out to the community and talk to just people. And obviously positive feedback on a chili at a chili competition is a great thing. So it’s really rewarding to be able to be part of the community, and also to make chili; I love cooking,” said Stephen Nickel, a chili contestant and financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual.
Awards were handed out for the best chili recipes. Organizers are calling on local home chefs and businesses to begin practicing for next year’s event.
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