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Entry Deadline For U Of O Winter Games Chili Cook-off Quickly Approaching

December 19, 2024 Steve Schwaller

(Arnolds Park)– Entries are still being accepted for the University of Okoboji Winter Games Chili Cook-off sponsored by Hinn Realty. The event will be held Friday, January 24th from 5:00 until 7:00 pm at the Dickinson County Expo Building in Spirit Lake. Morgan Strauss of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce says entries for the Chili Cook-Off need to be in no later than Friday, January 10th…

“We’re still looking for about five teams that would like to enter their winning chili, whether their returning, new or just there for a good time, we would love to have a booth for you. That sign up is at uofowintergames.com and it is free of entry and then your price is just, you know, your chili and the gallons you need for that.”

Each team needs to furnish at least 20 gallons of chili, warmers, ladles, extension cords and decorations for their serving area. Strauss says they’re limited to 27 teams. She adds this year’s theme is “No games too big, no TAILGATE too small”…

“We’re excited to kick off this year’s Winter Games and we’d love to see your retro throwback tailgate. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be throwback, but we’re just looking for that anniversary year vibe, so whether it’s Iowa State, if you’re a hockey fan, UNI, Iowa, grab your gear and join us at the Dickinson County Expo Building on Friday, January 24th.”

Strauss says they’ll once again be awarding prizes in three categories…

“We give away for the best booth, best nonprofit and obviously the overall winning chili. We announce those at the Extravaganza on Saturday at the Burning of The Greens and that’s sponsored by Bank Midwest this year again.”

Mugs for the Chili Cookoff are available at several area businesses as well as the Iowa Great Lakes and Spirit Lake Chamber offices. They’ll also be available at the event for as long as supplies last.

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