29 Chilis Compete at Virginia-Quad Cities Cook-off

Event brings close to a thousand Iron Rangers together at the Miner's Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – At the Virginia-Quad Cities Chili Cook-off, twenty-nine chilis are competing for the top prize.

Now in its tenth year, the cook-off brings close to a thousand people together from across the Iron Range to the Miner’s Memorial Building in Virginia.

“And everyone thinks they make the best chili, so why not have a cook-off and get some winners out of it?” asked event chair, Ashley Samargia.

There are three competition categories: Individuals, clubs and organizations, and professionals.

“It doesn’t have to be hot, it has to be tasty,” said Cathy Crep from the “Bowling Girls” chili cook-off team.

The group has won several awards using a unique cooking method.

“Every single one of us makes our own chili and we dump it together, mix it up, and serve it,” explained Crep.

Every chef makes at least seven gallons of chili to be tasted by their friends and neighbors, and the judges.

“This was a tough one. Good competition this year,” said Dennis Jerrold, who has judged every Quad Cities cook-off.

“Sometimes you have to bring them back and try them again,” explained Jerrold. “If you really like one, you get them to bring it back a third time and try it again, and you try to come up with an answer.”

This year’s competition almost didn’t happen after the St. Michael’s Foundation dissolved, but the local rotary club stepped in to keep the event cooking.

“I had so many people that were like ‘thank goodness you guys took this on because we have so much fun at it every year,'” said Samargia.

The display of Iron Range comfort food raises money for rotary club causes across the region.

“I think it is better than the Duluth Chili Cook-off because up here, we have a lot of prideful people up here on the range,” said Samargia.