Awareness Washington County hosts annual Chili Cookoff March 14

It is almost that time of the year again. Temperatures are warming, and spring is springing. That can only mean one thing… It is once again time to prepare your best pot of chili for the annual Awareness Washington County (AWC) Chili Cookoff!

On March 14, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, members of our community will be gathered together at Southern Hills Church in Salem with pots of chili as far as the eye can see, all in an effort to help raise money to fund all of the good that AWC does for Washington County. Festivities for the evening will include:

• Chili Cookoff

• Dessert Auctions

• Silent Auctions

• Bag Raffle

For those interested in participating in the cookoff, there are some rules you should be aware of.

• Prizes are awarded for People’s Choice Chili, Best Decorated booth, and Judges Choice Red Chili and White Chili.

• Teams are to provide 3 crock pots (or equivalent) of the same chili.

• Teams are to provide heavy duty extension cords and 2 power strips.

• Teams are to provide typed general descriptions of chili with a list of major ingredients. (For those with food allergies – Exact recipe not required).

• Decorating limited to a 6ft table space with 1 ft. additional space on both sides and 4ft. behind the table.

• Set up may begin at 10:00 am. Chili should be in place no later than 2:30 pm for judging.

• Teams may leave after set-up and return by 3:45 p.m.

• Collectively, the team is allowed free admission for 2 adults and 2 kids. Beyond that, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

• There is no entry fee, but AWC is limiting participation to 12 teams.

• AWC will reply when an entry request has been received. If you do not receive a reply after submitting your entry, please call Geoffrey Harrison at (812) 620-5167.

Participants can register by visiting https://www.awarenesswashingtoncounty.org/index.php/chili-registration-form

AWC was founded in 1982 in response to the social and economic challenges facing rural communities, including shrinking tax bases, rising unemployment, and the loss of young professionals who did not return after college. Recognizing that meaningful change required action, a volunteer steering committee developed a leadership curriculum and secured a $7,000 grant from The Lilly Endowment. With additional support from tuition and donations, AWC was established under the Washington County Chamber of Commerce to increase the number of prepared local leaders and equip participants to understand and address community challenges.

Since then, AWC has incorporated and has been awarded its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Additionally, it is governed by a 12-member board of directors. The organization provides annual leadership training designed to motivate and empower residents to take active roles in decision-making and community improvement. Over the decades, hundreds of participants have completed the program, helping make Washington County a “leader-full” community driven by engaged and informed citizens.

In 1989, AWC expanded its mission by launching the “We The Youth” program, an eight-month leadership initiative for local high school freshmen and sophomores. Funded through community support, the program develops skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and civic understanding while exposing students to key aspects of county life. AWC remains open to all who live or work in Washington County, regardless of background, and continues to serve as a voice and force for positive change.