SOUTH FORK – It is time to mark the calendar and head to South Fork on Oct. 24 for the annual Chili Cookoff and Salsa contest. 

The town began this annual event in hopes of adding some spice to the slower season while partnering with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to offer resources to hunters who are venturing into the area. After the first few years, the event took off only to face near extinction in 2023. 

Thanks to the help of the South Fork Friends Foundation, the Town of South Fork and all the participants, the event has been revitalized. 

With the cooler weather knocking on the doorstep, now is a great time to settle down to those homemade chili recipes and prepare something special for the coming event. So, break out all of the family recipes or try out something new and volunteer to participate this year for bragging rights and a cash prize. 

Every 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 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 people. 

Participants are also asked to dress for the occasion and to decorate their tables for a fun and inviting atmosphere. There is also a prize for the best decorated table. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be in attendance 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. 

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