Don’t Miss The 2025 Chili Cook-Off

Laughter and chili! Two things that make the Chili Cook-Off an event you don’t want to miss! This popular event kicks off the 2025 Iowa Great Lakes Winter Games Weekend, where over 15 vendors serve different types of chili at the Dickinson County Expo Building.

“I believe the Chili Cook-Off is a great spot to bring everyone to the same location to celebrate another great year of Winter Games,” said Morgan Strauss, Director of Events at the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “The entire weekend is spread out throughout our community, but on Friday, aside from live music, this is a centralized location where you know everyone is there for the same reason.” This year, on Friday, January 24, Hinn Real Estate will be sponsoring the annual Chili Cook-off. Initially starting in the 1990’s, the event has only grown more competitive and became a fun tradition for many families.

"We are proud to be able to support our community as the 2025 Chili Cook-Off Sponsors," said Angela Bousquet-Hinn. “I love seeing all the people that attend the Chili Cook-Off and their excitement for Winter Games Weekend!”

Attendees get to vote on booth décor, the best chili, and various theme awards. “Every year, the attendance has been strong and has only grown since it first started. The only year we’ve taken off was Covid year, and in 2021, we came back with record attendance,” Morgan added.

The Battazzi family has been regular attenders of the Chili Cook-Off since they were young children. For a number of years, Cheri Battazzi also organized a booth with her employer, until they decided to scale back. Her son's family, Josh and Sunny Battazzi then decided to sponsor a booth through Goliath Sporting Goods, and the family has now won the Chili Cook-Off in 2022 and 2024. “The Battazzi family enjoys events like this in the community where we can work together to provide something fun to the community at no charge,” Sunny Battazzi said. “When Mama Battazzi’s employer decided to scale back, it was perfect timing for us to do our own booth.”

In 2024, the Battazzi’s decided to offer a White Chicken Chili to provide a different option to the typical red chili and expand the chili selection. They tried a recipe online and found their new secret weapon.

“We absolutely loved it and felt like it was the right choice for the Chili Cook-Off,” Sunny shared. “I think the creaminess of the chili, mixed with all the flavors that simmer for 8-10 hours before the event, make all the flavors work really well together.” They made over 15 gallons of chili and have plans to double that this year, as they ran out halfway through the event last year.

Another popular chili in 2024 came from the Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Club, under the organization of John Hight, also an engineer at Beck Engineering, Inc. He said Kiwanis initially got involved to promote their club and mission to the community. “We had a blast and enjoyed seeing well over 1,000 community members come to the Chili Cook-Off. Plus, it was also a comradery-building activity for the members of our club,” John explained. “We have a lot of fun volunteering, and this is another excuse to get together!” John has also served as a chair of the Winter Games Committee and been a University of Okoboji Cheerleader. He’s attended the Chili Cook-Off for years and has found people’s preference for chili are all over the place.

“We've been doing the chili competition for the last five or so years, and every year, when talking to participants, there is always a preference for heat, texture, flavor, and beans or no beans. However, making it with quality ingredients is always a winner,” he added. “We keep the recipe a secret to only a few club members - lots of unique ingredients and processes.”

Mugs are $10 and available at the IGLA Chamber office, Hy-Vee in Spirit Lake, the Spirit Lake Chamber and The Three Sons in Milford. Morgan suggests advance purchasing the mug, as it allows a person to skip the line.

“This way you just have to pick up a voting slip on the way through the doors and start finding your favorite chili,” she said. “The Chili Cook-Off is inclusive for everyone as long as you are a chili fan. It is so special to see families sitting around the tables and enjoying each other’s company while also enjoying the hard work each booth has put into each scoop of chili. It’s also indoors so no need to worry about the weather conditions for the kiddos.”

For more information on 2025 Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Hinn Real Estate, contact Morgan at the IGLA Chamber or by visiting Chili Cook-Off – University of Okoboji Winter Games. Make sure to pick up a mug and be ready for a good time at the Dickinson County Expo Building, this January 24.