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PRIZES
Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following categories:
Best Meat Chili
Best Vegetarian or Vegan Chili
RULES
Individuals must be present in person at the DC State Fair to participate.
Beans can be canned, but no other canned ingredients may be used.
Individuals may not submit more than one entry for each of the categories listed above.
Entry must be brought in a slow cooker or other appliance to keep it warm throughout judging. Fair organizers will provide power so any appliances stay plugged in during judging.
Entry cannot contain any of the following: uncooked meat, uncooked dairy products, raw eggs, or other products that are high risk for spoilage or might cause sickness.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Taste (40%)
Chili is hearty and rich. Chili has an enjoyable level of spice.
Appearance (30%)
Chili is an appetizing color, with key ingredients easily distinguished.
Texture (30%)
Ingredients in the chili are tender and not disintegrating. Chili has a pleasant level of chunkiness and is not too watery or too dry.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Register for the chili contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.
Bring your entry in an appliance that can keep it warm to Anthem Row at 700 K Street NW on Sunday, September 6 (fair day). An exact location and time window for dropoff will be specified closer to the date. Alongside your entry, bring a removable label that includes a list of ingredients used in making your entry, your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry (see template).
PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS
You (or someone on your behalf) must pick up the appliance you brought your entry in between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on the same day as judging/fair day (Sunday, September 6) from Anthem Row.
PRIZES
Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following categories:
Best Meat Chili
Best Vegetarian or Vegan Chili
RULES
Individuals must be present in person at the DC State Fair to participate.
Beans can be canned, but no other canned ingredients may be used.
Individuals may not submit more than one entry for each of the categories listed above.
Entry must be brought in a slow cooker or other appliance to keep it warm throughout judging. Fair organizers will provide power so any appliances stay plugged in during judging.
Entry cannot contain any of the following: uncooked meat, uncooked dairy products, raw eggs, or other products that are high risk for spoilage or might cause sickness.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Taste (40%)
Chili is hearty and rich. Chili has an enjoyable level of spice.
Appearance (30%)
Chili is an appetizing color, with key ingredients easily distinguished.
Texture (30%)
Ingredients in the chili are tender and not disintegrating. Chili has a pleasant level of chunkiness and is not too watery or too dry.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Register for the chili contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2026-contests by 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.
Bring your entry in an appliance that can keep it warm to Anthem Row at 700 K Street NW on Sunday, September 6 (fair day). An exact location and time window for dropoff will be specified closer to the date. Alongside your entry, bring a removable label that includes a list of ingredients used in making your entry, your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry (see template).
PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS
You (or someone on your behalf) must pick up the appliance you brought your entry in between 4:00 and 5:00 pm on the same day as judging/fair day (Sunday, September 6) from Anthem Row.