The Great Chili Challenge
New Iberia, LA
November 7, 2009

If someone were to make a list of the foods most commonly associated with south Louisiana cuisine, chili wouldn’t crack the top 100. But that doesn’t mean people around these parts don’t like a good bowl of chili as much as the next guy. Not to mention the Louisiana palate certainly likes its food spicy, and a bowl of chili is as good a vehicle for the delivery of heat as any.

Not that all chili is spicy. Entries to New Iberia’s Great Chili Challenge are judged in three categories: Family-Style (read: mild), Heart Healthy, and Hold on to Your Hat!

As Louisiana festivals go, the annual Great Chili Challenge is a fairly brief affair, running from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the first Saturday of November each year. Families enjoy live music in New Iberia’s City Park, as children play in three different inflatable playgrounds. You’ll also find a host of games and concessions.

But the star of the show is without a doubt the chili. Each year, dozens of entrants vie for the Silver Bowl trophy that goes to the maker of the chili judged Grand Champion across the three categories.

And perhaps the best part of the challenge is enjoyed by the event’s attendees – each of the cook-off entries is sold for just $2 a bowl. So you can sample a variety and be a judge yourself, literally. The “Tasters’ Choice” award is one of the event’s most coveted.

2009 dates: November 7
(2010 dates: November 6)

Admission: Free.

Directions: New Iberia is located roughly 20 miles southeast of Lafayette. From Lafayette, head southeast on Highway 90 about 18 miles to the La. Hwy. 14 exit. Travel east on Highway 14 about 3.5 miles until you reach Main Street. Turn left on Main Street. After about a quarter mile, turn right on Bridge Street. After you cross the bridge, Bridge Street will turn into Duprier Street. Proceed on Duprier about a quarter mile, and take a right onto Parkview Drive. After another quarter mile or so, City Park will appear to your right.

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