Chili AND Chilly – Chili Cook-off and Outdoor Movie Night at Cravath

The Chili Cook-Off and Outdoor Movie Night at Cravath Lakefront Park provided attendees with an evening of culinary competition and festive entertainment in a wintry setting. Despite temperatures around 20°F, the Friday evening event was well-attended.

photos courtesy of Whitewater Parks and Recreation

For $5, attendees received a disposable bowl or, for $10, a reusable mug, granting them access to taste-test nine diverse chilis, each offering a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. Milk was provided for free by a generous donation from Katzman Family Farm. Judges conducted blind tastings to determine first—and second-place winners, while attendees voted for the People’s Choice award. An additional prize was awarded for the best-decorated table, with the winners listed below.

Chili Cook-Off Winners:

1st Place: Pepper Pops – Mom’s Hot Dish by the Buckingham family
2nd Place: The Chili Beaners – Spicy Chorizo Chili by the Ayon family
People’s Choice: Cheer for the Deer Chili by the Aquatic Center Coffee Lovers
Best Decorated: White Hot Chicken Chili by Sam and Madison Schulz, featuring a Winter Wonderland-themed table

Moviegoers had the opportunity to enjoy a holiday classic in a cool (literally) new venue. Whitewater Parks and Recreation displayed a new blow-up screen for the debut of what we hope will be the first of many movie nights in the park.

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

Downtown Whitewater thanks the entire Whitewater Parks and Recreation team for bringing another fun holiday event to the downtown area during this Christmas season. The festive lights and displays of Christmas at Cravath at Cravath Lakefront Park will continue to be on view nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM through January 6, 2025. Community members and visitors are encouraged to experience the holiday magic throughout the season and stay tuned for volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for next year’s installation!

Article Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Photos courtesy of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department and Tom Ganser