Calling all Chefs: Put Your Chili to the Test in Western’s Annual Homecoming Chili Cook-Off

Western Wyoming Community College will host the third annual Homecoming Chili Cook-Off in Downtown Rock Springs on Saturday, February 5 from 10:30AM-1:30PM. Western will accept red or green chili registration forms until January 21, 2022.  

Both businesses and individuals in Sweetwater County are invited to enter the Chili Cook-Off to win an iPad and AirPods Pro bundle, Oculus Quest 2 VR Headset, or a Polaroid Camera and film set - plus bragging rights! Last year’s winners can be found on the Homecoming website page at westernwyoming.edu/homecoming. The contest is free to enter.  

Chili must be prepared and cooked in a licensed kitchen. Western’s dining hall, Mitchell’s, will open their doors to contestants. To schedule time to cook in Western’s kitchen, email Preston Ackerman, Digital Content Specialist at Western at packerman@westernwyoming.edu.  

“We’re excited to partner with Downtown Rock Springs again for another Homecoming Chili Cook-Off. This is one of our favorite events each year because it gives us a chance to connect with so many community members. Western truly values the opportunity to partner with local businesses and meet the folks we serve,” said Kimberly Rembacz, Director of Marketing and Communication at Western Wyoming Community College.  

Western encourages community members to sample free chili and stroll around Downtown and stop in and support local businesses. There will be a raffle for community members to win prizes.  

This year’s prizes include a one-of-a-kind outdoor fire pit created by Western’s Welding instructor, Jake Manniko; handcrafted ceramic chili bowl set by Western’s Ceramics instructor, Bart Fetz; and an iPad.  

The Homecoming basketball games will take place in the Rushmore Gym immediately following the event. Chili contestant winners, and community prize winners will be announced at the games. Winners are not required to be present to win, but attendance is encouraged. 

This event is sponsored by Western Wyoming Community College and SweetwaterNow.  

For more information on the Homecoming Chili Cook-Off, registration forms, and guidelines visit www.westernwyoming.edu/homecoming, or email Preston Ackerman at packerman@westernwyoming.edu.