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

Judges for 2025 Chili Cook-Off will be announced about a month before the festival.

Girl Scouts

Volunteers

Volunteers

Kettle Corn

Food Vendor

Volunteers

Volunteers

Food Vendor Row

Tasting Card

Welcome

Our Judges

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, 2025.

Rules and Regulations
Printable PDF Registration Form
Online Registration Form

Cash Prizes

  • 1st Place in each category $500
  • 2nd Place in each category $250
  • 3rd Place in each category $100

Peoples Choice Winner receives $1,000

2025 Winners Are

N

2025 Contestants

Civic Category
  • 1st Place:  Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association (#22)
  • 2nd Place:  Feed Fannin (#24)
  • 3rd Place:  Fannin County Democrats (#4)
Team Category
  • 1st Place:  Steel City Chili (#1)
  • 2nd Place:  Just Chilin (#27)
  • 3rd Place:  Papa Dews Chili (#30)
Professional/Restaurant Category
  • 1st Place:  Misty Mountain Hops (#16)
  • 2nd Place:  Tavern @ Old Toccoa Farm (#3)
  • 3rd Place: Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill (#7)
Peoples Choice
  • Papa Dews Chili

Meet the 2025 Chili Judges

Sara Auman

Introducing our 1st judge.
Sarah Auman has owned Out of the Blue, located in downtown historic Blue Ridge, for over 21 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.