35th Annual Chili Cookoff - Poultney Rotary

Chili Cookers Wanted.

Poultney Rotary Club is pleased to bring the 35th Annual Chili Cook Off to downtown Poultney.

Every fall for 35 years, downtown Poultney has hosted the Annual Chili Cook Off. This year, Poultney Rotary Club is thrilled to announce that the event will be filling the streets once again on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s the longest running chili cook off in Vermont.

In addition to the Chili Cook Off competition and tasting, EnerJazz Big Band will play, a silent auction will line the center of Main Street, Wonderfeet Museum will provide fun activities for the kids and the famous Chili T-shirts will be back.

A thousand dollars in prizes will be awarded this year for all those cooking! There is no charge for cookers. Anyone interested in entering as a chili cooker should reach out to Rotarians Joe and Margaret at poultneyrotaryvt@gmail.com or text 802-287-1496. Rules listed below.

We are very thankful for the long list of wonderful sponsors and friends that have already donated money and Silent Auction items. Thank you to our amazing sponsors that help support our event Casella Real Estate, Telescope Casual Furniture, Poultney Veterinary Hospital, Sam’s U Save Fuels and Donna Johnson Physical Therapy.

The 35th Annual Chili Cook Off serves as the club’s largest fundraiser and it is businesses and individuals in Poultney that make the club’s ongoing work possible. And give us strong support for our Chili Cookoff!! 

Poultney Rotary Club has been instrumental in providing scholarships to Poultney High School graduates, to the summer rec program, Green Mountain Conservation Camp, and Governor’s Institute of Vermont. Some other highlights of our activities and support include the annual back to school drive, Josh the Otter swim safety program, Young at Heart senior center, Stone Valley Arts, ARC picnic and various community service activities. 

Rules and Regulations

1. No charge for cookers!
2. It is suggested to have a list of the ingredients in your chili at your table.
3. No open fires are permitted for cooking, should your chili self-ignite, it’s the team’s responsibility to extinguish all flames.  A fire extinguisher might be a good idea.  Coleman type stoves – either gas or propane are suggested.
4. If you are an established business and wish to sell your products, you may, at your area.
5. We suggest preparing at least 10-12 gallons of chili for tasting and voting.  Beer/alcohol is allowed as an ingredient for your chili.  We are estimating 400 people, each with a 2 oz mug.
6. Come as early as 8:30am, and must be all set up by 10:00am.  You may begin preparations prior, and add final touches and your secret ingredients the morning of the event onsite.  
7. Tasting and voting will begin at 11:00am and prizes will be awarded at 1:30pm
8. Cookers will be given approximately 10 feet of space. A table and a ladle will be provided by the Poultney Rotary Club. Teams will provide their own overhead tarps, if necessary, chairs, and any booth decorations.
9. Judging is by a panel of 3 judges, and popular vote.  $1,000 in prizes!  Best chili, Popular Vote – $300.  Judges:  1st Place – $300, 2nd Place – $250, and Best Themed Set Up – $150