GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — More than 40 teams and over 200 gallons of chili were lined up at Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids for the fourth-annual Chili Cook-Off at the Ballpark.
Fans of Valley Field hosted the cook-off from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, complete with yard games, live music and a full bar.
Organizers said all proceeds from the event will benefit the activation and renovation of the ballpark.
Chili tasting took place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and winners were announced at 5 p.m.
Visitors were encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to sit in while they enjoyed the cook-off.
The categories for the cook-off were:
- Traditional Red - Judges' Choice
- Traditional Red - People's Choice
- Homestyle - Judges' Choice
- Homestyle - People's Choice
- Most Festive Team/Tent
Tickets were available at the door on the day of the event. Ticket options were:
- $10 - Get into the ballpark, listen to music, purchase some food and beverages
- $25 - Get into the ballpark and try all 40 chilis
- $35 - Get into the ballpark, try all 40 chilis, access to VIP lines for bar and restrooms
- Kids 12 and under are free
Lisa and Dan Verhil, former Cottage Bar owners and hosts of the popular Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off, partnered with Fans of Valley Field to hold the event.
Lisa said 40 years ago they held their first chili cook-off downtown and filled the street. However, eventually, they had to end the cook-offs because they weren't making enough money for charity after all the costs.
Their chili cook-offs were over, until one day Fans of Valley Field brought the idea roaring back.
"The Fans of Valley Field are an amazing group. I mean, they are a force to be reckoned with," Lisa said. "I mean, they just pull together and they make it happen. And we're just so grateful to be able to raise funds for this ballpark, because it has a long, long history with a lot of famous baseball players starting out here."
The pair said it's a cook-off partnership they're glad to have.
"We love working with them and we love the history of the ballpark and we're looking forward to seeing it renovated fully and open about this time next year," Dan said.
A full schedule for the cook-off can be found here.