Chill n' da canyon chili cook-off commences Jan. 29

Still time to enter the spicy challenge

WILLIAMS - Feel like you have the chili cooking skills to win fabulous prizes?

The Northern Arizona Barbeque Festival (NAZBBQ) is hosting a chili cooking competition at the American Legion on Jan. 29. Everyone is welcome to attend, either to participate in cooking, judging or sampling.

According to organizer Chuck Vaughn, there are hopes that the cook-off will eventually blossom into a national event.

"These type of cook-offs, be it chili or barbecue, draw a huge crowd and a lot of teams from across the nation," Vaughn said. "It would be great if we can make Williams, Arizona a stop of both professional tours."

Bud Light Lime has agreed to be the official sponsor, which is exciting news for the organizers, who plan to expand the event in coming years.

"It is our intent to make this chili cook-off a Northern Arizona event and have teams come from all over," Vaughn went on to say.

The cost per team is $20 for each category (red, or verde) or $40 for both. Each division will have their own 50/50 split of their entry fees collected with each winner taking all.

There is also a separate category for restaurants.

Judging will take place at 5 p.m. by a Blue Ribbon Panel as well as a People's Choice award voted on by those who come to the event to sample the chili from 5-8 p.m.

"We will be closely following the ICS International Chili Society rules with the idea that in the future we could have this a sanctioned event just like we do for the Barbecue Festival in July," Vaughn said.

Two-ounce samples will be available to those who purchase a ticket. The cost of the ticket is dependent on how many teams enter the event.

The proceeds from this event will go towards next year's July Barbecue Festival.

The next event will be at Pancho McGillicuddy's Mexican Cantina on St. Patrick's Day.

Rules and entry forms can be found at Chamber of Commerce office or online at

www.williamschamber.com.