July 3: Orcas Island Community Picnic Chili Cook-Off – register by June 30

Bring the heat and a dash of friendly competition by signing up for the Chili Cook-Off, where bold flavors and local bragging rights are on the line.

Bring the heat and a dash of friendly competition by signing up for the Chili Cook-Off—where bold flavors and local bragging rights are on the line.

Interested in joining the fun? Sign up to participate HERE!

The Orcas Island Community Picnic Chili Cook-Off will occur on Friday, July 3, 2026, on the Village Green.

A $25 entry fee is required for each category of chili entered by a contestant. 100% of all fees and donations go towards the Chamber’s Fourth of July fund. Entry fee is payable the day of the contest by cash, Venmo, or check. OR, if you would like to pay online, there will be in a link provided in the next step to pay via credit card.

Registration form is due by *Monday, June 30, at 5pm*.

Prepayment is okay. Checks can be dropped on the porch of the Visitor’s Center in the black lock box. Please make sure your payment is labeled with your name and any information needed to assign your payment to this completed entry form.

Expectations:
– Chili must be cooked from scratch.
– The Chamber will provide cups/bowls and spoons for serving.
– Contestants will serve their own product; please bring an appropriate ladle or spoon.
– There will be electrical hook-ups; please bring an extension cord.
– Contestants must provide a minimum of 4.5 gallons (enough to fill one 18-quart roaster) of chili of each type of chili entered.
– Contestants may compete in up to three different categories (different submissions).

Contestants must have the following at their tables for use while serving:
– Hand sanitizer
– Disinfectant spray for surfaces (e.g., Lysol, bleach and water, etc.)
– Plastic gloves (for serving)

Entries will be judged in the following categories:
– Best in Show
– Meat Lover’s Delight (meat)
– Hippie’s Dream (no meat)
– Tongue Burner (heat)
– Wildcard (yeet)

Contestants are to arrive with their entries at 12:30pm. Judging will occur between 1 – 2:30pm or until there is no more chili to be served. Winners will be announced at 4pm or upon the conclusion of the first musical act.

Voting will be conducted by a panel of judges (Best in Show) with the winner of each category determined by vote of community picnic attendees who pay to try the fare.

Prizes will be awarded to the top choice in each category.

This chili cook-off is for islanders who just want to have fun and be recognized for their superb culinary skills. Let your hair down (but wear a hat!!!)! Dress up, wear a costume, just have a good time! Shake and bake, Orcas.