F4 West Chester Chili Cook-off Returns Oct. 12

Bring your appetite to downtown West Chester for a taste-tempting chili extravaganza. The annual F4 West Chester Chili Cook-Off will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12, from noon to 4 p.m. For the second year, Fiorenza's Food For Friends (F4) will host the event. The nonprofit raises awareness about hunger and unites the Chester County community to end hunger and food insecurity.

The Foxwynd Foundation is serving as this year's event sponsor.

In recognition of the event, F4 is launching a countywide food drive during the month of September in connection with Hunger Awareness Month. It will also collect nonperishable food items on the day of the event to benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard.

New this year, the Chili Cook-Off is being sanctioned by the International Chili Society. This year's winner of the cook-off will compete at the World Chili Championship next year in Indianapolis. The West Chester Masons will host the 50/50 Pepper Drop and assist with volunteers for the event.

“We were honored to take over the West Chester Chili Cook-Off last year, as we viewed it as an opportunity to create a signature ‘Hunger Awareness' event in Chester County,” said Brenda Russell, executive director and CEO of F4, shared with the Daily Local News. “We are taking a fun family event and connecting it to a cause that we can all both relate to, and tangibly work together to solve: hunger and food insecurity.”

Last year, close to 10,000 people attended the event, and F4 served nearly 250 pounds of chili. 

In addition to the chili competition portion, an on-site beer garden will be available for guests to enjoy. Tickets for the cook-off are $10 in advance and $15 during the day of the event. Tickets for the beer garden are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event.

To purchase tickets, sign up to cook chili, or sponsor the F4, visit the event's website.