The Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Dirtbag Ales, welcomes all to the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off as part of the Heroes Homecoming. And, if you don’t like chili, there is lots of fun planned for the entire family.

This year’s theme is “Heroes at Home,” and the activities recognize the contributions of service members and their families. There will be a parachute demonstration followed
by singing the national anthem. Many nonprofit organizations that cater to the military community will have booths.

For the kids, there will be a special area with crafts, stickers and patriotic coloring sheets. Since this is a Veterans Day event, the Chamber has partnered with 10 local photographers to take free portraits of military families. As for the chili, attendees can purchase “flight of chili” tickets to sample a variety for just $10. “Flight of chili” tickets includes 5 different chilis and the opportunity to vote on your favorite. If you want to sample all the chilis, tickets are $30.

There will be hot chilis and mild chilis. Everything from veggie chili to alligator chili and everything in between. Participants are encouraged to name their chili and decorate their table accordingly as presentation is everything. (Hint, hint) All entries will have a number and description card displayed that will include spice level, main ingredients and other interesting facts.

Tasting will take place between noon and 2 p.m., then votes will be tallied. The first place winner will receive $200, second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50. All entrants are encouraged to invite their family and friends to come out to support their entries.
Casey Farris is the president of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce. She said, “In 2021 we had 25 cooks enter the cook-off."

"At the end of the day, the top three chilis will be recognized with a special award," she said. "A portion of the profits will be donated to a local veteran nonprofit.”

Since this event is partnered with Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, guests can also sample a local beer while they enjoy chili. In addition to their standard brews, Dirtbag Ales will be featuring Heroes Homecoming lager. For each pint of Heroes Homecoming lager sold, $1 will be donated to local organizations that serve military families.

This might be the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off for the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, but the Fayetteville area has been hosting the Heroes Homecoming since 2011. This is an appreciation to all veterans for their courage, sacrifice and everything they do to defend our country’s freedom.

Rebecca Freeman says, “As the executive director of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled with the number of sponsors and contestants we have this year. It is such an honor for the Chamber to be participating in Heroes Homecoming and to give back to our local veterans, too.”

Fred Cutter is a veteran, a member of the Chamber, and a sponsor for this year’s event. He mentions that “In an ideal world, the Chamber is the proxy between city government and the business community. My most significant blessing is the opportunity to serve a community of people I admire and consider friends.”

The 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off will take place Nov. 12 at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends when the chili runs out, which is estimated to be at about 5 p.m. To purchase chili tickets, visit www.hopemillsareachamber.com.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Chili Cook-Off, contact the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce at 910-423-4314 or email them at HMCC@hopemillschamber.org
For the full Heroes Homecoming schedule of events, visit heroeshomecoming.com.