The West Volusia Historical Society and MainStreet DeLand Association, Inc. are again teaming up to bring the “Hottest Event in Town” to East Indiana Avenue in historic downtown DeLand, Florida. This festive, family event draws competitors and visitors from all over the United States. This year, we welcomed the bikers from Biketoberfest to join the fun. The chili competition was sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) and the chili cooks vied for trophies, bragging rights, and CASI points to use for entry into the Terlingua International Championship Chili competition held annually in Texas.

While the unique Chili and Showmanship entries (best costume, booth design, or “show”) were judged by local “Celebrity Judges,” the Public determined the winner of the “Greatest Bowl of Chili” from all the chilies offered for tasting. There was food, entertainment, children’s games, arts & crafts vendors—a day of family fun and excitement.