The highly anticipated Bridge City Chili Cook-Off is returning to downtown Texarkana, and this year, it promises to be hotter than ever. Hosted by the Texarkana Homeless Coalition (TXKHC), the cook-off will take place on Friday, January 24th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. behind the Lofts at the Grim, located at 319 Pine Street, Texarkana, Texas.
The event invites the community to come together for a night of delicious chili, community connection, and meaningful impact. Attendees will enjoy tasting chili from local contestants, all while supporting critical programs aimed at helping the homeless population in the Texarkana area.
The Bridge City Chili Cook-Off serves as a fundraiser to support vital scholarships, homelessness treatment programs, and local agency training for individuals experiencing homelessness. This year’s event will be themed “Construction Zone,” and attendees are encouraged to wear vibrant, construction-inspired attire.
Chili contestants will pay an entrance fee of $25 and provide 100 samples for both the judges and the public to enjoy. The chili will be judged in three categories: Best Presentation, People’s Choice, and Best in Texarkana. The event is free for the public to attend, with donations encouraged to support the cause.
“The Bridge City Chili Cook-Off is not just about great food and fun; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together and show support for those who need it most,” said Vashil Fernandez, Chair of the Texarkana Homeless Coalition. “By participating in the cook-off or attending as a guest, you’re helping to provide essential resources for homelessness treatment and training that directly benefits individuals in our area.”
In addition to the cook-off, the Texarkana Homeless Coalition will kick off its efforts with the Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Count on Thursday, January 23rd. This annual event is a critical step in gathering data about the local homeless population. Required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the PIT count provides key insights into the needs of the unhoused and helps secure funding for programs that address homelessness in the region.
For more information or to enter the Bridge City Chili Cook-Off, visit the official website at: Bridge City Chili Cook-Off Registration.
The Texarkana Homeless Coalition encourages everyone to join them in making a difference and helping to tackle homelessness in our community. Come for the chili, stay for the cause – and together, let’s help build a better future for all.
