2026 Chili Cookoff Application

The 7th Annual Empire Market Chili Cookoff will be hosted at the Empire Market on January 17th! Judging will start at 10:00 am and tasting will be open to the public from 10:30 am, until supplies run out.

Entry fee is $20 per individual contestant.

Cash prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as a trophy for People's Choice. 

All proceeds will benefit the Downtown Joplin Alliance, the Empire Market, and the Newton Kitchen. Any questions can be emailed to info@joplinempiremarket.com

***note: on the application, under "Business Name" you can simply put NA if that is not applicable to you***

Please read all rules and regulations. Some have changed from prior years.

1. Contestants must pre-register by Jan 11th.
2. A $20 entry fee per individual is required during registration.
3. Chili must be cooked from scratch and brought “ready-to-eat” on the day of.
4. Contestants are responsible for supplying all cooking utensils and supplies needed.
5. Contestants are responsible for supplying their own table. Please bring a tablecloth to cover your table. Electricity will be provided, but power cords will not.
6. The Empire Market will be open as usual from 10-2; arrival time for contestants is from 8:30 a.m. and no later than 9:15 a.m.
              - Chili must be ready for judges at 10:00 a.m. and the public at 10:30 a.m.
7. How much chili to prepare: 3 gallons
8. Awards:
              - 1st Place $100 and trophy
              - 2nd Place $50
              - 3rd Place $25
              - People’s Choice
9. Tasting cups, plastic spoons, and napkins will be provided to attendees. 10. Must have a note card stating any well-known allergies, such as but not limited to:
       peanut/peanut oil, milk products, and exotic spices.
11. Attendees will vote for People's Choice by putting dollars in jars for their favorite chili - you're encouraged to invite people to come out, taste, and vote on yours. As part of the fundraiser, all People's Choice dollars will be counted as donations for the Newton Community Kitchen at the Market.
12. Each contestant will be assigned a contestant number and given a container that will be delivered to the judges by market staff. Chili will be judged on aroma, color, flavor, and texture.
13. Winners will be determined by highest total scores from judges score cards. All categories will be announced during the event. 
14. All areas must be cleaned and cleared out no later than 3:00 p.m.

15. We request you provide the name of your chili, and a brief description. If you have photos of yourself or of your chili,  please submit them. If you don't know that information yet, you will have another chance to provide it.