🌶️ Lexington Farmers Market Chili Cook-Off – September 6th!
Do you have the best chili recipe in town? 🍲 Bring your A-game to the Lexington Farmers Market @ the Depot on Saturday, September 6th, from 8 AM – 12 PM for our Chili Cook-Off!
This friendly (but tasty) competition is open to the public — so whether you’re a seasoned chili master or just love experimenting in the kitchen, we want YOU to join.
🏆 Awards & Prizes
Our judges will be handing out ribbons, Farmers Market gift certificates, and — of course — serious bragging rights!
Best Traditional Chili (beef/pork, tomato-based) – $25 Farmers Market Gift Certificate, Ribbon, and Social Media Glory
Best Freestyle Chili (chicken, turkey, vegetarian, vegan, or unique twist) – $25 Farmers Market Gift Certificate, Ribbon, and Social Media Glory
Best Overall Chili (different contestant than category winners) – $50 Farmers Market Gift Certificate, Ribbon, and Social Media Glory
Judges may also award extra “honorable mentions” for fun categories (bragging rights only, no prizes).
📋 Entry Categories
Traditional Chili
Beef and/or pork as the main protein
Classic tomato-based red chili
Freestyle Chili
Chicken, turkey, vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based
White chili, bean-forward recipes, or any unique twist you can dream up!
🧑⚖️ Judging & Sampling
A panel of local celebrity judges will taste and score each chili. Winners will be announced by 10:30 AM.
After that, market attendees can sample the entries for themselves! To make it even better, Rabble & Rise Baking Company will be sampling their delicious cornbreads alongside the chilis.
🕘 Rules to Participate
Arrival Time: Contestants must check in between 8:00 – 9:30 AM at the Depot kitchen area.
Bring It Hot: Chili should be fully cooked and hot in a crockpot. Staff will test temps before judging (must be 140°F by 10 AM).
Ingredients List: A written list of ingredients is required for allergy awareness. Please highlight any items sourced from Farmers Market vendors!
Serving: The Market provides tasting cups, spoons, and napkins. Judges are served by staff, but after the winners are announced, you may help serve samples to the public.
Crockpot Pickup: Crockpots may be taken after winners are announced, but we encourage leaving them until 11:00 AM for public tastings. All must be picked up by 11:30 AM.
Photography Permission: By entering, you agree to let the Market photograph or film you and your chili for promotional use. Winners will pose for photos with ribbons and prizes.
📅 Timeline
8:00 – 9:30 AM | Chili Check-Ins
9:45 AM | Temp Checks Begin
10:00 AM | Judging Begins
No later than 10:30 AM | Winners Announced
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Public Tastings
11:30 AM | Final Crockpot Pickup Deadline
🔗 How to Enter
Think your chili has what it takes? Head over to our Facebook Event Page for full details and to grab the sign-up link. Or you can print off the sign up page here
