Get creative this Chilly season and join our “ANYTHING GOES” Winter Warm-Up Chili Contest! Whether you're a master cook, home chef, or just trying your hand at cooking, this contest is all about having fun and showing off your delicious creativity.

Here's how to participate:
1. Register so we save space for you! (REGISTRATION FORM BELOW)
2. Create your delectable chili. Homemade Chili: Hearty stew-like chili flavor dish made with or without meat and any kind of spices and ingredients.
3. You must make it from scratch.
4. Please 1 entry per family.
5. It must be served warm.
6. Bring your entry to the Tastes and Creations Market between 1PM and 2PM on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

Enter at MinotTastesandCreations.com/events or by direct messaging our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/MinotTastesandCreationsMarket

If your recipe is your own or a family recipe, we encourage you to get creative with your design. Use Veggies, Beans and/or meat—whatever brings your vision to life!

Voted on by a panel of judges at the Dakota Square Mall. Winners announced on the Winter Warm-Up Chili Day, January 24th 2026!

Two winners from each Division
Divisions are judged by a panel of judges in a blind taste test. 

RED CHILI DIVISION PRIZES: First & Second Place Prizes!
WHITE DIVISION PRIZES: First & Second Place Prizes!
SPICY DIVISION PRIZES: First & Second Place Prizes!
VEGGIE DIVISION PRIZE: First & Second Place Prizes!

Winners announced Saturday, January 24th, 2026 during the Tastes and Creations Market.

Pick the right category Division

Red: for the chili that has a red hue
White: for the chili without the deep hue color
Spicy: for the chili that brings the most heat
Veggie: A dedicated category for meatless chilis

Homemade Chili: Hearty stew-like chili flavor dish made with or without meat and any kind of spices and ingredients.

Submission Process

Drop off 4 to 6 cups of your amazing chili on Saturday, January 24th at 1:00pm-2:00PM. Please write down and provide the list of ingredients.  

Judging Criteria
Our panel of Chili enthusiasts will carefully evaluate each entry based on the following aspects:

Creativity - How unique and imaginative is the recipes?
Flavor – How do the spices and ingredients blend? Is it well-balanced?
Appearance/Color – Does it have a rich color? Does it look good in the bowl?

Consistency/ Texture- Is the texture right? Not too thick, not too watery. Good meat-to-sauce ratio.
** Minot Tastes and Creations reserves the right to disqualify any entry, for any reason, in the chili contest. The health and safety of our judges is our priority. Do not enter any chili that includes non-edible ingredients. 

Happy Creative Cooking!