Annual Lewisville Five Star Chili Cookoff - Family Fun & Tasty Chili

The History of Chili Cookoffs

Chili cookoffs have become a beloved American tradition over the years. While the origins are disputed, one of the first recorded chili cookoffs took place in Terlingua, Texas in 1967. It was organized by journalist H. Allen Smith who claimed that Texas chili was inferior to chili from his home state of California. This sparked a fierce rivalry between Texas and California chili lovers, who have been competing in cookoffs ever since to prove who makes the best chili.

The Terlingua Chili Championship

That original cookoff in 1967 featured teams from Texas and California competing to cook the best pot of red chili. While the rules and judging have evolved over the decades, Terlingua remains the most prestigious chili championship. Hundreds of teams now compete every year in the barren Rio Grande village to be crowned the Terlingua Chili Champion. The contest has become known as the "World Series of Chili" and continues to drive innovation and creativity from chili cooks across the country.

What Makes a Good Chili?

So what does it take to cook a prize-winning chili? There are many opinions on the subject, but a few key elements seem to set the best chili apart:

• Tender, well-cooked meat - Usually beef, but sometimes other meats like pork or venison
• A rich, complex chili sauce - Achieved by layering chile peppers, herbs and spices
• A smooth consistency - Often thickened slightly with masa harina or cornmeal
• Balance of flavors - The heat, sweetness, acidity, saltiness and bitterness should harmonize

There is much debate around other ingredients like tomatoes, beans, alcohol, chocolate and many other additions. Creative cooks are constantly experimenting with non-traditional ingredients as well. But most championship chilis share these core elements in common.

The Five Star Chili Cookoff

Here in Lewisville, our local Five Star Ford dealership has organized its own annual chili cookoff for the past decade. It brings the community together each year for some friendly competition and tasty chili. Proceeds also go to support local charities, making it a win-win event.

A Family Friendly Event

Unlike the raucous chili championships in Terlingua, the Five Star cookoff has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. There is live music and activities for kids like face painting. So bring the whole family out for a beautiful fall day enjoying chili.

Tasting and Judging

For a small donation, attendees can taste test dozens of different chilis and vote for their favorite. A panel of local celebrity judges also evaluates each chili based on appearance, aroma, texture, spice level and overall taste. The winners receive prizes and bragging rights until next year's cookoff.

Get Involved

The Five Star Cookoff is actively seeking both chili cooking competitors and sponsors.ponsored

• If you think you have a prize-winning chili recipe, sign up to compete.
• Local businesses can sponsor the event or provide goods and services.
• Volunteers are needed to help organize, run the event and clean up afterwards.

Contact Five Star Ford Dealer to find out how you can participate in the next Lewisville Chili Cookoff!

Chili Cookoffs Bring Communities Together

Whether it originated as a rivalry or just an excuse to show off, chili cookoffs have become beloved community traditions across the United States. They celebrate creativity and competition while bringing people together around a shared love - delicious chili! Events range from huge championships down to small hometown cookoffs like our Five Star Chili Cookoff.

If you have never experienced the fun of a local chili event, add the Five Star Cookoff in Lewisville to your calendar. Bring the family to enjoy tasty chili, vote for your favorite and support charity. And if you think you have what it takes, sign up to compete and see if you can cook the best chili in Lewisville!

FAQs

What are the key dates for the Five Star Chili Cookoff?

The Five Star Chili Cookoff is held every year in mid-October at the Five Star Ford dealership in Lewisville. Check their website for details on this year's exact date and location.

Is there an entry fee to compete in the cookoff?

There is no fee to enter your chili into the competition. However you must bring enough chili to allow for event attendees to taste. Sign up early as spots are limited.

What does the winning chili team receive?

The first place chili winner will receive a cash prize and a trophy. There are also second and third place prizes. All winners gain bragging rights until next year's event.

Can I still attend if I'm not competing?

Absolutely! The event is open to the entire community. Come enjoy tasty chili from competitors while supporting local charities through your donations.