WADENA
— The cool, damp weather couldn’t keep chili lovers away Thursday, Sept. 24, as community members gathered downtown for the annual Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook-Off.
Cool, damp weather couldn’t keep chili lovers away Thursday afternoon, as the community gathered for an afternoon of warm bowls, friendly competition and plenty of chili.
Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal
The event brought together 12 local businesses for a friendly competition, with each serving up a favorite chili recipe in hopes of earning bragging rights and the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Wadena police officer Milo Scott and Sharon Roberts, dispatcher/secretary, took part in the annual chili cook-off on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal
After The Elks took the top prize in previous years, The Uptown’s chef Nick Kupfer claimed the title this year with his smoky, bacon-filled chili. With a total of 185 votes cast, Astera Health and the Wadena VFW tied for second place, while Drastic Measures Brewing finished a close third.
“It was a close vote,” said Tina Bartels, executive director of the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce. “With so many delicious chilis to choose from, people had a tough time picking just one favorite. Our contestants did not disappoint, and I’m so proud of everyone who put their time and heart into making them.”
Wadena VFW Manager Cody Boyer brought his signature “beef-alo” — mixture of beef and buffalo meat — chili recipe to the annual chili cook-off on Thursday, Sept. 24. Boyer tied for second place with Astera Health.
Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal
The cook-off was held along Jefferson Street downtown, where community members sampled a variety of chili recipes, ranging from mild and traditional to spicy and smoky. Despite the rain, attendees gathered around the tables to sample the entries, visit with friends and support local businesses.
Pictured from left back row: Chandler Green and Amber Ness. Joined by Bjorn, Tiberius and Gwendoline Green. The family said they look forward to the annual chili cook-off competition every year.
Nicole Stracek / Wadena Pioneer Journal
Chandler Green attended with his children, Gwendoline, Tiberius and Bjorn, along with Amber Ness. The family said the chili cook-off has become an annual tradition they look forward to each year.
“It’s my favorite day every year,” said Tiberius Green, who said Drastic Measures Brewing chili was his favorite.
Nicole Stracek is an award-winning journalist known for her insightful and impactful storytelling across the region. As the community editor for the Wadena Pioneer Journal, she covers everything from local government to breaking news to human-interest features that highlight the heartbeat of Wadena. Nicole can be reached at 218-631-2561 or nstracek@wadenapj.com.
Dining and Cooking