Elks’ annual Chili Cookoff for a good cause

BULLHEAD CITY – “We call it the first fundraiser for the summer, and it supports veterans’ groups,” Terry Landaeta, Treasurer and Committee Chairperson of the Bullhead City Elks #2408 (the Lodge), said of its Chili Cookoff on May 29, noon-4 p.m. at 1745 Emerald Dr. “It’s usually a sellout with 10-15 cooks,” she added.

What makes it a sellout?

• A good cause. “Just a few of the veterans’ groups” that the Lodge raises funds for include the “Military Moms highway banner program, the Veterans Resource Center, Veterans Treatment Court, Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council, and Christmas wreaths at the memorial,” said Landaeta.

• Competitors’ bragging rights and awards. “We’ll stop everything at 3,” said Landaeta, to announce and bestow awards. Chosen by attendee votes, there are First-through-Third places, a Best Decorated, and a Most Patriotic. A side competition between two retired police officers will earn bragging rights.

• Attendees, who decide the outcome. “Taste test as many chilis and as many times,” said Landaeta. “We also offer a snack bar with hot dogs, soda and water, so you can make a chili dog if you want.” Doors open at noon, and tasting is 1-3 pm. Tasting tickets are $10 per person. Attendees can also enter raffles for donated baskets.

• Competitors. These home cooks make “all kinds of chili: white, red, green, chili without meat, chili without beans,” said Landaeta, adding, “there was rattlesnake chili one year.”

• Entertainment. Nicole and the Boys (formerly Kid N Nic) will take the stage, performing sets among raffles and giveaways and announcements. There’s a generously sized dance floor, although that’s the main Lodge, and it will be ringed with …

• … competitors and their crock pots. Cooks make their chili at home, allowing them to keep their secret ingredients secret. “I was a competitor for a few years,” said Landaeta. She placed her first year, but “there are big competitors,” she added.

• Sponsors. “Everything is donated by participants and local businesses; some have been contributing probably for the last 10-12 years,” said Landaeta, “and we’re very appreciative of Perkins, Culver’s, Meoni’s and others that contribute gift certificates or baskets,” as well as Clipper Crew Family Hair Salon owned by member Susie Stillabower, Charlotte’s Collectibles, Tri-State ACE Hardware and others.

• Competitors. “Cooks are usually member-related,” said Landaeta, “but some are outside cooks,” including firefighters, historically and nationally known for their chili. They literally live at work.

• Longevity. The Lodge has been hosting the Chili Cookoff and contributing the  proceeds to local veterans’ organizations for 15 years. “It’s been such a great event to start out the summer,” said Landaeta.

• Competitors. The Lodge invited the Bullhead City Police Department to enter, and have seen them compete against the Bullhead City Fire Department in other competitions. Speaking the unspoken, “they may be afraid to go up against that firefighter’s chili,” said Landaeta. There’s still time. “I will go until Friday the 26th; we have the spaces available,” said Landaeta. “I won’t turn (competitors) away.”

“We have to watch our capacity,” said Landaeta. “The fire department’s right across the street.” With seating in the main Lodge of about 120, bar lounge at about 80, and the kitchen lounge with another 30-or-so, Landaeta expects to be at capacity. “Last year, we almost had to shut the door.”

Landaeta’s already thinking about next year and, why didn’t we think of this? “Putting the lodges up against each other,” said Landaeta. “Elks, Moose, VFW, Shriners, others that we may incorporate in the future.”

To join the Lodge, new members must be sponsored by a current member in good standing and pay a $35 application fee. Annual dues are $100 and the Lodge boasts an extensive calendar with at least two dozen annual events, including a Chocolate Festival in January, Fashion Show in March, and Valentine’s and Christmas dinners. On top of that, there’s bi-monthly Bunco, weekly fish fries (except the third Friday, which is steak), Tuesday Game Day, Wednesday tacos, karaoke with member DJ Mike Carson.

Following the Chili Cookoff: The Poor Taste Dinner on June 10. It’s not about bad food, “it’s how you dress,” said Landaeta. “It’s like if you get dressed in the dark from your closet. Wear underwear outside, clothes inside-out, cold cream-and-curlers.”

“We end up with so much good,” said Landaeta. “Veterans are near and dear to our hearts.” Reach out to Landaeta at 510-872-2778.

Juliette Cowall