The Chili Cookoff 2025 location is changing from the river batture, which is impossible to use at this time of year, to the 600 block of 6th Street in Old Gretna, the home of historic St. Joseph Church and Shrine and beneficiary of the event.
6th Street will be blocked from Lavoisier to Newton Street. The event will expand into the St. Joseph Church Complex and parking lots. Judging for the competition will be in the Complex Auditorium.
The fun-filled family event will become one giant block party opening at 11:00 a.m. for the public and closing at 3:00 p.m. There will be all the chili you can eat, food, beer and wine for sale, a Kids Korner for children, music, etc. just like in the past with a $10 entrance fee per person, children under 12 admitted free.
“Chili Cookoff on the River” began in 2018 as a fundraiser for St. Joseph Church and Shrine in Gretna’s $1,200,000 exterior restoration. Dozens of 4-member Cooking Teams have competed annually in the contest that is judged in a blind method by 30 VIP locals. The event became a popular annual event that benefits the old historic church’s constant need for expensive restoring and updating.
Registration is open for Cooking Teams to compete for $100 per team. Registration is still open. Contact Helen Williams at mhw500@cox.net if you plan to cook so we can create the new team layout. See Application Here.
Cooking teams must follow the basic rules set by (CASI) Chili Appreciation Society International. Team check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. this year.
Advance Tickets for the event are $10 each, which includes an entry into a FREE drawing for prizes to be drawn at the Cookoff. Winner must be present to win. Tickets at the gates will also be $10, but does not include entry into the free drawing.
Advance Tickets are available at the Gretna Visitors Center, all Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Westbank locations and at the St. Joseph Church Office (504.368.1313) 610 6th Street in Gretna.
Sponsorships are available as follows:
A $500 Stage Sponsorship includes your logo on a large 4’ x 4’ sign prior to and at the event and many other advertising opportunities, both on social media sites and print media.
A $150 Sign Sponsorship includes your name and info on an 18” x 24” sign displayed prior to, and at the event.
Help us make this Gretna’s biggest block party ever! Call Helen Williams at 504.450.8481 for details.
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