November 1, 2021 – Livermore, CA – Carnegie Park came alive under a beautiful fall sky on Saturday, October 23, when the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley hosted its First Annual Chili Cook-Off. Hundreds of community members enjoyed the day by listening to live music by Frankie Bones Project, Groovy Judy, and Luna Fish while sampling local chilis. The Cattlewomen’s Association and Cabana Dave’s made the winning chilis.

Celebrity judges Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Mayor Bob Woerner, Livermore Police Chief Jeramy Young, Chamber of Commerce CEO Dawn Argula, and Livermore Rodeo Queen Isabella Macchioni worked with chili judging expert Barry Buckett to taste and rate the 13 chilis entered into the contest. Their favorite: the homemade taste of the Cattlewomen’s Association’s special recipe. Second place was a tie between Cabana Dave’s and Posada. Third place was a three-way tie between the Del Valle High School Culinary Academy, Goodness Village, and Oyo Restaurant.

Throughout the day, all chili tasters were able to rate their favorites. Votes were tallied to select The People’s Favorite – the winner: Cabana Dave’s. Second place was awarded to Oyo Restaurant, and third place to Joe’s Double Barrel BBQ.

Roy the Magician entertained children, while Granada High School Interact Club members offered them fall arts and crafts projects. Quest Science Center led a paper rocket launch, and Zone 7 Water District taught about the water cycle. Hysteria Lane farm, in addition to offering goat milk-based soaps and lotions, brought a baby goat for everyone to enjoy. The Livermore Pleasanton Dublin Firefighters made their signature chili and gave fire hats to children.

Local breweries and wineries provided ample opportunities for thirst-quenching. And food trucks provided delicious alternatives to chili. Over two dozen artisans and exhibitors filled the park with their products and displays.

“I’m so proud of our club for creating an event that brought our community so much fun and also raised money to allow us to support our community members in need,” said Angelika Voss Quinn, Rotary Club of Livermore Valley President. “Special thanks to Sherri Simoni for her creative vision and planning. We are already looking forward to the Second Annual Chili Cook Off in October 2022,” she added.

Funds raised through the purchase of chili, beverages, and raffle tickets support the Rotary Club of Livermore Valley in fulfilling its mission to serve our local community. Fall grants will be awarded in November. Spring grants will be awarded in April. For more information about how the Livermore Valley Rotary supports our community and how you can join the fun work of the organization, and for more Chili Cook-Off photos, please visit their website: livermorevalleyrotary.org.

Photo 1: The celebrity judges with the Cattlewomen’s Association chili cookers. Pictured, from left to right: Police Chief Jeramy Young, Livermore Chamber CEO Dawn Argula, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Mayor Bob Woerner, Pam Jones, Livermore Rodeo Queen Isabella Macchioni, Nancy Mueller, and Jenn Bettincourt.

Photo 2:Rodeo Queen Isabella Macchioni with Cattlewoman Nancy Mueller

Photo 3: Rodeo Queen Isabella Macchioni

Photo 4: Rotary Club President Angelika Voss Quinn and Chili Judging Expert Barry Buckett announcing the winner.

Photo 5: Livermore Chamber CEO Dawn Argula, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Livermore Rodeo Queen Isabella Macchioni

More photos are available at Chili Cook-Off Photos on the Livermore Valley Rotary Club website.