Ludlow Rotary Club’s 35th Annual Chili Cook-off a Sizzling Success!

LUDLOW, VT — October 2026 — More than 500 chili lovers gathered in downtown Ludlow on Saturday, October 10, for the Ludlow Rotary Club’s 35th Annual Chili Cook-off! Under a beautiful Vermont fall sky, locals and visitors, some from as far away as Colorado, enjoyed a delicious day of chili tasting, friendly competition, and community spirit.

Held beneath the big tent at Main and Depot Streets, this beloved tradition once again proved that great chili brings people together. Thanks to the talented chili makers who shared their recipes and creativity, the event was another flavorful success!

And the Winners Are…

Judges Steve Messina, Sarah Sheehan, and Tina Danyew (Ludlow Realtors) had the difficult task of choosing their favorites.

Judges’ Awards:

• Best Overall Chili: Better with Bacon – Wallingford Locker
• Team Spirit: Devil in Disguise – Mojo Café
• Spiciest: The Reaper – Squeels on Wheels

People’s Choice Awards:

• 1st Place: Devil in Disguise – Mojo Café
• 2nd Place (Tie): Better with Bacon – Wallingford Locker and Bird’s Nest – Shelli Steinfeld
• 3rd Place (Tie): Ian’s 10 Pepper Palooza – Ian Gordan and Pew Burner – Contractors 4 Christ
• Honorable Mention: Castle Harvest Chili – The Castle Resort

Congratulations to all our winners and chili makers for making this year’s competition so memorable!

Thank You, Ludlow!

The Ludlow Rotary Club extends a heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors, volunteers, chili makers, and everyone who joined the fun. Your generosity and enthusiasm keep this 35-year tradition going strong!

Event Sponsors: Homestyle Restaurant, Jeff Milligan & Associates, Inc., Lavalleys Building Supply, Okemo Mountain Resort, Singletons VT, Inc., Wright Construction, Belmont Septic Design, Burns & Associates, James A. Young, PC, Ted Stryhas Builders, Stemwinder, Summit Solutions Property Services, American Legion #36, Aubuchons, Black River Mechanical Services, Chef Mei, David Ladd Fine Art, Green Mountain Fireside Specialties, HB Energy Solutions, Prime Lending – Victoria Blodgett, Side Hill Cronchers, and Wine & Cheese Depot.

Tent Sponsors: Cota & Cota, Ludlow Sunoco, A Friend of Rotary, Mary W. Davis Realtor, William Raveis VT Properties, and Okemo Mountain Resort.

In-Kind Sponsors: Benson’s Chevrolet, DJ’s Restaurant, Okemo Mountain Resort, The Castle, Shaws Supermarket, The Hatchery, Frank Ellison, and Four Square Hospitality.

Seeing familiar faces return alongside new visitors each year reminds us why this event is such a community favorite. Best of all, proceeds help the Ludlow Rotary Club continue its service projects and support local needs.

Thank you for making our 35th Annual Chili Cook-off a sizzling success! We’ll see you next year for more chili, competition, and community fun!

Learn more at www.ludlowrotary.com as the club celebrates 100 years of community and international service.

Ludlow Rotary Club — Proudly serving Ludlow, Mount Holly, Cavendish, and Plymouth. Service Above Self!