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World champion chili cook-off finds permanent home in the metro

Des Moines will be the new, permanent home to the 53rd Annual ICS World Championship Chili Cook-Off. This family-friendly multi-day festival of champi...

Des Moines will be the new, permanent home to the 53rd Annual ICS World Championship Chili Cook-Off. This family-friendly multi-day festival of champion chili will be held for the next five years at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.

We actually went through 17 cities in the country to try to narrow it down to where we would find a permanent home for the ICS World Championship. So in the last 52 years, it’s moved 21 times around the country. But we really felt like the ability to connect with the community was important and Des Moines beat 16 other cities. said President and CEO of ICS Chili, Inc Scott Toland.

The 53rd Annual ICS World Championship Chili Cook-Off will be held September 6-8, with a kick off party at the district on the 6th.

This festival will bring in chili aficionados to the metro as well as 300 championship chili entries and more than 200 judges. Entrants can enter into 4 adult categories: Traditional Red, Chili Verde, Homestyle Chili and Veggie Chili. There also is two youth categories. The total prize money is expected to top $100,000 with $25,000 for top prize.

Tickets can be purchased online: $15 unlimited chili tastings, $15 sample of 10 craft beers, and VIP experience packages will also be available.

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