Chili is a classic American food - a real stick to your ribs kind of meal. Over the years countless recipes for this delicious treat have developed, and now, only one question remains: who makes the best chili? Fort Wayne is trying to find out who makes the best chili in town with the first annual Doggone Best Chili Challenge. The Competition kicks off on Saturday, September 27, at Lucky Harley-Davidson, and will go from noon to 3:00 pm. Chili cookers will need to get there early to register and start their cooking, but if you're just coming to eat, no need to arrive until all the cooking is done! Registration to enter a chili is only $20 and forms will be accepted until September 22. Enter in your old secret family recipe or own of your own devising. There are a variety of categories to enter including vegetarian, Restaurant, Biker Club, and more! Make sure to read over the full rules and regulations before you begin cooking.

Chili-Cook-Off-WEB

The proceeds of this event will go toward the ASPCA to help benefit homeless animals. Further, the competition is multifaceted.  Some groups will choose to focus mainly on perfecting their chili recipe, but others may put a bit more into their costumes and the booth decor. The chili will be judged based on CASI's five criteria: aroma, consistency, color, taste, and aftertaste. Should contestants choose to participate in the showmanship competition as well, they will be judged on both their personal costumes and their booth decoration. There will also be a People's Choice Award given, so remember to bring out your inner Simon Cowell when you taste the different chili entries. This event isn't just about the chili, though. It also promises to be a day full of family fun! Bring the whole family out to enjoy great food, fun games, and awesome adoptable pets. Raffles and a Silent Auction will also take place as part of the festivities. Admission, which covers chili tastings, is just $5 for adults and free for children 10 and under if accompanied by a parent. Come out and help make this first annual event a success! It promises to be a great time with great food, and to top it off, its all for a great cause!