A favorite element of the annual Lakeside Winter Celebration is the open Chilly Chili Contest!

Professional and amateur chili chefs are encouraged to enter this year’s contest, on Saturday, January 31. Cash prizes up to $200 will be awarded based on judging by experts and the public. 

Key elements and requirements of the competition: 

• The Challenge will be in a heated tent at Ontario Beach Park’s Roger Robach Center. 
• Chili must be prepared in an approved kitchen and comply with health regulations.
• Contestants should safely prepare a minimum of 5 gallons of chili for public tasting.
• Each contestant will be provided a 10’ x 10’ space, one 8’  foot table, and two chairs. 
• Contestants may decorate their area with promotional banners, signs or placards. 
• Chili will be evaluated by judges as well as the public.  
• Award categories/prizes:
  
  Judge’s Choice – Amateur and Professional categories: First Place wins $200 plus plaque; Runner-Up wins $150 plus plaque.
  
  People’s (public) Choice – $200 plus plaque. 

On Saturday, January 31, set up begins at 9:00 am. Judging starts promptly at 1:30 pm. Public tasting runs from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Awards are bestowed at 3:30 p.m.

All proceeds support events and entertainment at Ontario Beach Park!

Interested contestants must submit an application and obtain the required Monroe County Health Permits by January 19, 2026