Spicy flavors, hometown pride, and a healthy dose of friendly competition will come together this fall as the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off and Salsa Contest on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wrightwood Community Building and parking lot, located at 1275 Highway 2.
This popular mountain tradition invites home chefs and culinary enthusiasts to show off their best chili and salsa recipes, with public tastings and votes helping determine the coveted People’s Choice winners. For many locals and visitors, it is one of the most anticipated food events of the season.
Tasting kits will be available at the event and tend to sell out quickly. Chili kits are priced at ten dollars and include samples from each contestant along with a ballot for voting. Salsa kits are five dollars and feature a wide variety of bold and creative recipes. Tastings begin at noon, but organizers encourage early arrival to secure a kit.
Anyone interested in competing can still register online. The deadline for chili cook-off entries is Tuesday, Oct. 8. Salsa contestants can register through Friday, Oct. 10 and same-day sign-ups will be accepted at the event after 10 a.m. Details and registration forms are available at wrightwoodchamber.org.
For those who enjoy a real spice challenge, the jalapeño eating contest offers a chance to test one’s heat tolerance in front of a cheering crowd. Sign-ups open at 1 p.m., with the top ten contestants going head to head at 1:30 p.m. for bragging rights and prizes.
In addition to the food competitions, the event will feature live music, a selection of local vendors, and an opportunity drawing. The 50/50 drawing and vendor booths add to the family-friendly festival atmosphere, giving attendees more to enjoy between tastings.
Winners in both the chili and salsa categories will be announced at the awards ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. at Vivian Null Park. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, including the People’s Choice and Judge’s selections.
Organizers say the annual event is part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to celebrate Wrightwood’s community spirit and showcase local talent. As in years past, the day is expected to draw residents and visitors alike for an afternoon of great food, music, and mountain hospitality.
