Annual Chili Queens Cook-Off Returns to Spice Up Fiesta

Did you know that chili is the official dish of Texas? Well, you bet your ass it is. But, down here in San Antone we aren’t satisfied with something as basic and boring as a chili cook-off to celebrate our state dish, especially not during Fiesta time. That’s where the fantastic and fabulous Chili Queens Cook-off, an official Fiesta event that has been around for more than 10 years now, comes in.

At this beautifully bawdy affair, the chili may be hot but the Queens (not a gender-specific term in this case) are way spicier. Attendees will be entertained by DJs keeping things lively and adult beverages aplenty as they enjoy and/or compete in one of two competitions: an honest-to-god chili cook-off (judging starts at 5pm) and the Tackiest Queen contest. In the inclusive and irreverent spirit of Fiesta events like Cornyation, this off-kilter classic is a true San Antonio gem that’s not to be missed.

A little-known fact about the Queens Cook-off is that if any especially ambitious and talented Queen is able to win both contests at once, they’ll instantly be made mayor. It’s true. And, the Donkey Lady will swear them in.

Free, Sun, Apr. 22, 3-8pm, The Bonham Exchange, 411 Bonham St., (210) 224-9219, bonhamexchange.com.

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