17th Annual OPSU Chili Cook-Off Brings Community Together

The Aggie Nation came together for a weekend of excitement, community engagement, and culinary delight at the 17th Annual OPSU Chili Cook-Off. The event was a success, showcasing the hard work of the Chili Cook-Off committee, the unwavering spirit of Aggie alumni, and the community.

Dr. Julie Dinger, University President, stated, “This year’s Chili Cook-Off was one to remember. Thank you to the OPSU community for their support to make this year great.”
The highlight of the event was the announcement of the chili cook-off winners, reflecting the cooking skills showcased by participants.

The People’s Choice award went to:
1st Place: Anchor D Bank
2nd Place: Roger Edenborough, Tyler Bryant, and James Hager
3rd Place: Bank of the Panhandle

The Judges’ Choice award was equally impressive, with winners as follows:
1st Place: Prestage Farms – Kelli Johnson and Patti Law
2nd Place: Seaboard
3rd Place: OPSU’s College of Arts and Education

Recognizing the artistry and creativity in presentation, the Best Presentation award was presented to:
1st Place: OPSU Cheer
2nd Place: Images Art Club
3rd Place: Prestage Farms – Tommie Dale

Vice President of Advancement, Dr. Ryan Blanton, commented on the importance of the event for the entire Aggie community. “This event brings together our alumni, who come back year after year to reconnect with their alma mater. It’s a testament to the power of community engagement and the enduring ties that bind our alumni to OPSU.”

In addition to the Chili Cook-Off, the weekend featured the “Guns and Hoses” event, which celebrated First Responder’s Day with an obstacle course designed for law enforcement and fire personnel to battle against each other. This year, the “Guns and Hoses” trophy went to law enforcement. The weekend ended with an Aggie Victory in Football.

Calandra Rose, the lead of the Chili Cook-Off committee, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm. “The Chili Cook-Off is a labor of love, and it’s heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of our community members as they enjoy the delicious chili and vibrant atmosphere. I’m immensely proud of our committee and all the participants who contributed to the success of this event.”

For more information about OPSU and upcoming events, please visit https://opsu.edu/events.