RTFL’s 2027 Chili Cook-Off
“Freedom Never Tasted So Good”

The best chili cook-off will be here before we know it! We have great news - Round Top’s ‘King and Queen of Fun’ Sterling and Kaci Van Coutren have agreed to chair the chili cook-off again and under their leadership, the “Freedom Never Tasted So Good” Chili Cook-Off will be one for the books! Be sure to wear your Red, White & Blue and join us Saturday, January 16, 2027 starting at 12:00 pm. Here are the details:

DATE: Saturday, January 16, 2027

TIME: Doors open at 12:00 pm

WHERE: Round Top Rifle Hall

COST: Tickets are $15 per person and children under 12 years old get in free

PRIZE MONEY:
-$1,000 for First Place in Traditional Chili Division

-$500 for First Place in Open Chili Division

JUDGING CRITERIA: see below

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: see below

SIGN UP TO BE A CHILI COOKER: see below

  • Click here to get information on how to be a sponsor of the RTFL Chili Cook-Off!

  • That’s right - prize money will be awarded:

    $1,000 to the First Place Team in the RTFL Traditional Chili Division

    $500 to the First Place Team in the Open Chili Division

  • You can sign up to be a cooker starting Tuesday, November 4th. Don’t forget - the first five teams to sign up get to pick the location of their booth! Scroll down to fill out application form.

  • Click here to get the new judging details for the upcoming cook-off!

  • Best in Showmanship

    A panel of three judges (judges cannot be competitors in any division) will walk around the venue to view all of the competing teams’ booths. The judging panel, evaluating factors like booth decor, costumes, music, cooking set up, etc., will pick the booth that is Best in Showmanship! Have fun with this category!

  • Every person that purchases a ticket will receive a ballot to cast their vote for their favorite chili - makes no difference if it is RTFL Traditional Chili or Open Chili - just choose the one you like the most! Two ballot boxes will be clearly marked so that it is clear where you go to cast your vote. Be sure to start filling your tasting bowls as soon as you arrive so that you have plenty of time to decide on your favorite. Approximately midway through the event, an announcement will be made (Loudly!!!) that the ballots are about to be gathered. All of the votes will be tallied and the team that receives the most votes will claim honors for The People’s Choice Award Chili.

  • RTFL decided to retire the Golden Spoon award. We hope you will enjoy competing in the other categories!

  • This year has a patriotic theme so please wear all the Red, White and Blue you can muster! Weather permitting, the cook-off will be both outdoors and indoors. So far, the weather forecast looks like it will be perfect weather - a nice day in the mid-50’s!

  • We sure will! The Live Auction portion of the Chili Cook-Off is how we raise funds for the library! Follow us on Social Media to preview the items in this year’s Live Auction!

  • Absolutely! Every person that buys a ticket gets a bowl and a spoon! Eat until your heart’s desire!

Sponsor the cook-off!

Apply for the cook-off!

Sponsor the cook-off! Apply for the cook-off!

Sponsorship Opportunities

By becoming a sponsor, you're not just supporting a community tradition - you're fueling the programs and services of Round Top Family Library. Our Annual Chili Cook-Off raises funds for our incredible programs and operations. Your sponsorship will help with underwriting costs of the event, security, publications, rentals, and supplies for this event

PLATINUM CHILI SPONSOR - $1,000

Benefits of being a Platinum Level Chili Cook-Off Sponsor:

  • Four complimentary tickets to the Chili Cook-Off

  • Super Special VIP Front Row Parking for 2 Vehicles at Chili Cook-Off

  • Two special commemorative Baseball Caps

  • Inclusion in promotional materials (flyers, social media, any press releases)

  • Recognition during announcements at the Chili Cook-Off

  • Recognition in group "thank-you" announcement post event

GOLD CHILI SPONSOR - $500

Benefits of being a Gold Level Chili Cook-Off Sponsor:

  • Two complimentary tickets to the Chili Cook-Off

  • Inclusion in promotional materials (flyers, social media, any press releases)

  • Recognition during announcements at the event

  • Recognition in group "thank-you" announcement post event

Chili Cook-off Application - Chili cookers can sign up starting December 1, 2026!

Date: Saturday, January 16, 2027
Time: Doors open at 12:00 pm
Where: Round Top Rifle Hall Entry Fee:

  • $150.00 per team competing in Traditional Division

  • $125.00 per team competing in Open Division

Prize Details

  • $1,000 for First Place in Traditional Chili Division $500 for First Place in Open Chili Division