The annual Tri-State Open Chili Championship’s chili cook-off took place this Saturday at the Rex Baxter Building at the Tri-State Fairgrounds in Amarillo. The event attracted chili enthusiasts from across the region for a day filled with friendly competition, chili tastings, and fundraising for a noble cause — the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The event featured a range of activities, including a silent auction, several door prizes, and, of course, the much-anticipated chili tasting. Admission was free, and attendees could purchase tasting cups for $5 each, allowing them to sample various chili entries and vote for their favorites. This year’s cook-off was extra special, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish, a foundation dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Denay Hooks, Development Manager for Make-A-Wish in Amarillo and Lubbock, emphasized the importance of the event: “This is the longest-running event we have in the state of Texas for Make-A-Wish. It benefits children in the Panhandle, and every little bit helps. We’re able to grant around 36 wishes a year, and this event is one of our biggest fundraising efforts.” She also shared that the event typically raises around $30,000, which plays a critical role in making dreams come true for local children facing critical health challenges…