Smoky Hill Museum
Calling all chili enthusiasts! It is time to showcase your culinary skills and unique chili creations at the 2026 Boiling Pot Chili Cook-Off during the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair. You will be provided with a generous starter kit—15 lbs. of beef, plus onions and tomatoes—to kick start your masterpiece. The rest is up to you! Add your secret ingredients to craft a chili that will wow the crowd. The event takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Why join the fun? To Be a Community Champion: Promote your organization or business while helping make our city great. Support the Museum: Proceeds benefit year-round free events, exhibits, and presentations. Enjoy the Experience: Have a blast creating, competing, and meeting fellow chili lovers.
And, of course, the prizes!
· People’s Choice Winner: Voted on by the public, announced at 2 pm. Cash + prizes valued at $150.
· Judge’s Choice Winner: Selected by our panel of local judges, announced at 2 pm. Cash + prizes valued at $150.
For more information contact Rosa De La Cruz at 785-833-2021, rosa.delacruz@salina.org, or Joshua Morris at 785-833-8024, josh.morris@salina.org.
Public sampling begins at 10:30 am for only $2.50 to sample all the chili. Each ticket purchased will then vote for their favorite chili.
More information along with online or printable entry forms may be found by clicking here under Street Fair/Chili Cook-off. To have a copy mailed to you call 785-833-2021 or email museum@salina.org.
Completed applications and a $30 application fee must be postmarked or hand-delivered by August 28, 2026, to the Smoky Hill Museum at 211 West Iron Avenue. The application fee is non-refundable.