Chili Cookoff Heats Up: A Spicy Fundraiser for Veterans Memorial!

Maricopa held its inaugural chili cook-off Saturday, aiming to raise funds for veterans, and the event proved to be a flavorful success.

Organizer Patrick McCobb described the turnout: “It was a good show, a good flow — people were there throughout the day.”

A diverse array of ten chili recipes dazzled attendees, ranging from traditional beef to bison chili. Each pot offered a unique taste, showcasing the culinary creativity of the local participants.

Jeff Hagner, a resident of Glennwilde, took home the title for best chili. Attendees cast their votes by dropping tickets into bowls after sampling the entries, as the competition did not permit direct chili sales.

McCobb noted, “Despite so many bowls of chili, each one remained unique. They don’t blend together. They are all so uniquely different.” He described favorites, emphasizing he prefers beefy chili that isn’t overwhelmingly spicy.

The event also included competitions for desserts and cornbread, with Holly Anderson’s cheesecake and Dana Williams’ cornbread earning top honors.

Proceeds from the cook-off support the Maricopa Veterans Memorial, addressing the needs of the city’s growing veteran population. McCobb estimated there are over 1,000 veterans in the community.

He remarked, “There is ongoing need. The city has done a lot, and they’ve been a really great partner. But there are costs on our end, and it’s a continuous effort.”

Event proceeds will fund maintenance and future enhancements to the memorial honoring service members. Organizers see the positive reception of this first event as a stepping stone to establishing a recurring tradition.

“We’re going to be doing this annually,” McCobb declared. “It’s a good way to generate revenue for the memorial and bring the community together.”

The Veterans Memorial Task Force is actively working to create a permanent memorial in Maricopa to honor military veterans. This site will serve as a place for reflection, remembrance, and community education regarding the contributions and lasting impact of military service.

Additionally, the Maricopa Veterans Park, a non-profit organization, aims to foster a supportive environment for veterans, offering services and organizing community events that promote a sense of belonging.