Apishapa Valley Historical Society Hosts Annual Chili Cook-Off
The Apishapa Valley Historical Society will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off Sunday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. at the Aguilar Community Center, offering public tastings and awards while raising funds for the society’s preservation work. The event combines social gathering and civic fundraising, giving Las Animas County residents a direct way to support local history efforts.
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The Apishapa Valley Historical Society is inviting residents to its annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, Nov. 9, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Aguilar Community Center. Public tastings are priced at $6 per bowl, or two bowls for $10; children under 3 eat free. Competitors will vie for prizes in three categories: best red, best green, and crowd favorite. Proceeds from the event will support the society’s preservation work.
Organizers say the event serves both as a community social occasion and as a funding mechanism for the historical society’s ongoing efforts to preserve local heritage. For small cultural organizations in Las Animas County, fundraising through community events remains a core strategy to cover operating expenses and project costs. The Chili Cook-Off provides residents a low-cost opportunity to participate directly in those efforts while enjoying local food traditions.
The choice of the Aguilar Community Center as venue underscores the event’s local focus. Community centers across the county often function as hubs for civic life, providing space for volunteer-driven programming and small-scale fundraising that can help sustain local institutions. Events such as the Chili Cook-Off also generate modest economic activity for Aguilar and neighboring towns by bringing visitors to the downtown area on a weekend.
Beyond the immediate financial benefit, the Cook-Off has broader civic implications. Regular, volunteer-run events bolster social ties, encourage participation in local organizations, and increase visibility for preservation projects that might otherwise struggle to find public support or funding from larger institutional sources. For residents interested in local governance and cultural stewardship, attending such events is a direct form of civic engagement.
Practical details for attendees include the tasting prices and categories for awards. The format allows participants to sample multiple entries cheaply, and the crowd-favorite designation gives attendees a direct role in choosing a winner. Families with very young children can attend without additional cost for the youngest members.
The Chili Cook-Off is one of several annual activities through which the Apishapa Valley Historical Society raises awareness and funds. For residents seeking to support the preservation of local history, the Nov. 9 event offers a tangible way to contribute while taking part in a longstanding community tradition.
