Chilly Chili Challenge Contestants Sought

Rochester, NY - Professional and amateur chili chefs are encouraged to enter this year’s Chilly Chili Challenge, a favorite part of the annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park and Port of Rochester. The 40th annual Winter Celebration weekend is January 31 and February 1, 2026, with the Chilly Chili Challenge on Saturday, January 31. Cash prizes up to $200 will be awarded based on judging by experts and the public. 

Key elements and requirements of the competition: 

• The Challenge will be in a heated tent at Ontario Beach Park’s Roger Robach Center. 

• Chili must be prepared in an approved kitchen and comply with health regulations.

• Contestants should safely prepare a minimum of 5 gallons of chili for public tasting.

• Each contestant will be provided a 10’ x 10’ space, one 8’  foot table, and two chairs. 

• Contestants may decorate their area with promotional banners, signs or placards. 

• Chili will be evaluated by judges as well as the public.  

• Award categories/prizes:  

• Judge’s Choice - Amateur and Professional categories: First Place wins $200 plus plaque; Runner-Up wins $150 plus plaque.

• People’s (public) Choice - $200 plus plaque. 

On Saturday, January 31, set up begins at 9:00 am. Judging starts promptly at 1:30 pm. Public tasting runs from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Awards are bestowed at 3:30 p.m.

All proceeds support events and entertainment at Ontario Beach Park. Full information, entry forms, and required Monroe County Department of Health applications are online at: www.ontariobeachentertainment.org/lakeside-winter-celebration.

Full information about the events and activities of the Lakeside Winter Celebration can also be found at this web page. The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and Special Olympics New York organize and sponsor the Lakeside Winter Celebration, with generous support from Wegmans, City of Rochester, Monroe County, and Charlotte Neighborhood Association.  For more information, visit www.ontariobeachentertainment.org.