Chili Cookoff to heat up fall in South Fork

File photo The South Fork Chili Cookoff is an annual favorite and offers local chefs from businesses and the public the opportunity to vie for bragging rights. The cookoff takes place Oct. 14.

SOUTH FORK — The annual South Fork Chili Cookoff is back on the calendar — Thursday, Oct. 14. Like most events in the San Luis Valley, it has been over a year since the last Chili Cookoff and those who participate every year are eager to get this spicy fiesta off to a great start.

Each October, the South Fork Visitor Center partners with the town and local Colorado Park and Wildlife officials to offer an opportunity for hunters coming to the area to meet up with experts and enjoy a steaming bowl of chili, taste epic salsa recipes and mingle with residents for a night that is sure to bring out the best of South Fork. Community members also come out to enjoy a neighborly meal with family and friends as well as show off their cooking skills when it comes to spicy, hot chili.

The event features about three categories for local community members, businesses and organizations to create, including red chili, green chili and salsa entries. Each contestant needs to be able to provide enough food to serve small portions to about 200 to 300 guests who turn out for the annual event. Every year participants create their versions in any one or all three of the categories and make about five gallons of chili per entry. 

This year’s theme is “Virus Killing Chili” and contestants are allowed and encouraged to decorate their table space to win prizes. There will be prizes for the three chili categories and one for the best-decorated table.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be in attendance this year to give tips and tricks to hunters. It is just a short time away so hit those cookbooks and start planning.

There will also be hotdogs, nachos and desserts available in the main kitchen at the South Fork Community Center. The event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 14 at the South Fork Community Building. Cost is $5 per person to taste and vote.

For more information or to sign up for the contest, contact Mark Teders at the South Fork Visitor Center by calling 719-873-5512 or by visiting the center’s Facebook page.