HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The 2026 MAC Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-Off & Cornbread Challenge is coming up on Oct. 24, and the community is invited to form teams to put their recipes head-to-head. Participants will fill downtown with delicious smells as they cook all day at Founders Square.
The winning team will be awarded a $1,000 cash prize and their chili will be judged on aroma, appearance, consistency, taste and after taste. Other cash prizes will be awarded to second and third place, along with best decorated theme and crowd favorite. There will also be a cornbread competition where the winner will receive $250.
The Southwestern Kentucky Military Affairs Committee has been hosting this event alongside Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation for over 30 years. The public is invited to participate in this annual fall tradition, with samples of each chili available at 4 p.m. at Founders Square.
Last year the grand prize went to the Christian County Judge Executive/Christian County Sheriff’s Office Team. Other participants included businesses and organizations like the FCCLA, Hopkinsville Community College, Walmart Distribution Center, Hopkinsville Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and more. Registration is open for teams until Oct. 10.
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