Plans for the Chili Cook-Off are in the mix

By Joan Janzen

Once again, ATB Hanna will be hosting their annual Rodeo Chili Cook-Off and Outdoor Market Friday, September 15th, 2023. Deneen Anderson, who organizes the event, said they’re lining up some amazing vendors for some awesome shopping for Friday’s kick-off event.

“We’ve hosted the chili cook-off for years, and last year I suggested we have a market,” Deneen said. They had 18 vendors and hope to have 20 this year. Last year vendors came from Hanna, Calgary, Stettler and Red Deer.

The 2023 chili cook-off is expected to be equally as successful as it was last year. Photo (supplied by Deneen Anderson)

The chili contestants pre-register the week before, but they do accept last-minute entries. “A lot of them come back year after year,” Deneen said. “Our team always puts forward a great group effort.”

Part of the ATB team effort is gathering ingredients to make their own pot of chili. Each member brings a few ingredients, which they put together and cook in a crock pot overnight.

“Our chili will be judged just for fun, although we won’t be in the running for a prize. We are just making chili as a team to participate and have people enjoy lunch,” Deneen said. After the judging, the chili is served to the public.

“Last year, we didn’t have a drop of chili left,” she noted. Signs are placed on the chili identifying who the cook was, so people can try a certain individual’s special recipe.

They’ve had a lot of different judges over the years. “For years, we had a councillor who passed away. Last year we had his granddaughter, which was pretty special,” Deneen explained. “We pick four people in the community and go with that.” The only requirement is they must like chili.

“The plan is for people to have fun, have lunch and do some shopping,” Deneen concluded. This year, the proceeds will be going towards KidSport.