Chili Contestants and Judging

The first three categories will be judged by our esteemed panel of Judges. Each chili will be rated individually on 5 attributes: aroma, color, taste, texture and aftertaste. Judges will give each attribute a score of 1 to 10. There are a total of 250 points possible per contestant.

  • Team
  • Civic Organizations
  • Restaurants & Professionals
  • Peoples Choice Award

Chili Contest Rules & Registration

Pre-registration is required for participation in this event. Chili registration form must be submitted with the $35.00 entry fee. Deadline for registrations is Friday, February 7, 2026.

Rules and Regulations

Chili contestant regestration is now closed.  

Cash Prizes

  • 1st Place in each category $500
  • 2nd Place in each category $250
  • 3rd Place in each category $125

Peoples Choice Winner receives $1,000

2026 Contestants Are:

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Girl Scouts

Volunteers

Volunteers

Food Vendor

Volunteers

Volunteers

Food Vendor Row

Tasting Card

Kettle Corn

Welcome

Our Judges

Meet the 2026 Chili Judges

Sara Auman

Introducing our 1st judge.
Sarah Auman has owned Out of the Blue, located in downtown historic Blue Ridge, for over 22 years, providing the most unique gourmet foods and wines one could ever imagine.
It is the goal of Out of the Blue and their knowledgeable staff to make every experience fun, intimate and memorable.

Anita Hardy

Introducing our 2nd judge.

Anita Hardy serves as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Fannin and Gilmer Counties, where she brings a passion for home ownership and community building. She finds great joy in helping families work toward—and achieve—their first home, knowing that Habitat’s homeownership program strengthens not only individual households but the entire community.

Originally from Colorado, where chili is practically a pastime, Anita enjoys all varieties of chili, including classic red, flavorful green and comforting white.  She enjoys cooking chili as much as she enjoys eating it, where beans are included and flavor is more important than heat!  Anything featuring Hatch Green Chiles quickly becomes her favorite.

She’s delighted to join the Fire & Ice Chili Competition as a judge and looks forward to celebrating the creativity, flavor, and community spirit that make this event so special.

 

Brace Pinney

Introducing our 3rd judge.

Our Chef Judge for the 2026 Fire & Ice Chili Cook Off is Brace Pinney.

Brace is the owner and chef of his restaurant, The Yellowphant Cafe. Brace has worked in restaurants most of his life and attended culinary school locally at NGTC. He has worked for various chefs including Larry Butler, Michael Lindamood, James Reaux, and Bill Russ. Afterwards he moved into working front of house and learned the bartending trade, which has brought him to where he is today. 
At The Yellowphant, Brace serves breakfast and lunch all day, and has a special Brunch menu served exclusively on Sundays. When he’s not busy serving our community at the cafe, you’ll find him at home enjoying quality time with his fiancée Lauren and their three kids: Little Brace, Ava, and Benji. The cafe’s name comes from Little Brace, his oldest son, who used to call an elephant a “yellowphant” when he was little. As a family man, flavor enthusiast, and a local business owner, Brace is excited to keep expanding The Yellowphant and to continue showing our community how much he appreciates their support since opening in December, 2022.

 

Christie Gribble

Introducing our 4th judge.

As President & CEO of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB since January 2022, Christie Gribble has led innovative efforts in tourism, economic, and community development. She oversees a membership of more than 1000 businesses and organizations, manages over 15 Chamber programs and events, and directs destination marketing and management for both the City of Blue Ridge and Fannin County. Her leadership emphasizes stewardship, collaboration, and sustainable growth for the local economy.

Deeply engaged in community service, Christie contributes to multiple boards and educational initiatives, reflecting her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership. The daughter of an educator and a school superintendent, she has a deep respect for those shaping young minds and continues to champion partnerships that strengthen local schools and youth programs.

Outside of work, Christie is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor who enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.