Ellicottville 2025 Chili Cook-off Fundraiser at Madigan’s: Taste, Compete, and Give Back
Spice up your weekend! Compete, taste, and support the community at Ellicottville’s annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, September 27th.
ELLICOTTVILLE - Get your calendars out and a red pen handy, because you do NOT want to miss Ellicottville’s most flavorful showdown of the year! On Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm, Madigan’s Upstairs (36 Washington Street) will transform into a chili-lover’s paradise as the Rotary Club of Ellicottville brings back the beloved Chili Cook-off Fundraiser. Spicy fun, live tunes, and serious community spirit await!
READY, SET, STIR! HOW TO BE A CHILI CHAMP
Think your secret chili recipe can wow the crowd and claim the ultimate bragging rights? Now’s your chance to shine! But hurry - only 25 lucky cooks can throw their spoons in the ring this year. For just $25, contestants not only get a tasting ticket (hello, unlimited chili samples!), but also a shot at first, second, third, and the all-important People’s Choice trophies.
Grab your trusty 8-quart (or bigger) crockpot, load up your chili with all the fixings, and bring along any wild, wonderful toppings you can dream up. Want to share the legend behind your dish? Use the tent card provided to tell your chili’s origin story - make us laugh, make us cry, or just make us hungry!
This isn’t just a cook-off - it’s a community party! The Facebook event is live! Search “Ellicottville Rotary Club 2025 Chili Cook-off”, click “Going,” invite your crew, and help us pack the place for an evening of mouthwatering fun, fundraising, and friendly competition. Tasting tickets will be available at the door for $10.
CHILI, MUSIC, AND PRIZES GALORE!
You won’t believe your tastebuds! Sample every contestant’s special blend, savor fresh cornbread on the side (thanks, Ellicottville Bake Shop!), and wash it all down with icy-cold drinks for sale. We’ve got your chili-craving covered. We’ll provide the extension cords, tasting cups, spoons, and napkins - just bring your appetite and game face!
Groove along to live music and feel the energy in the air. Lady Luck might smile on you at our 50/50 drawing or maybe you’ll snag a one-of-a-kind prize at the gift basket raffle. Each bite and ticket supports a great cause!
GET YOUR BIDS IN: THE ONLINE SILENT AUCTION IS LIVE!
Craving some shopping with your chili? Our Online Silent Auction is back and hotter than ever! Last year, this auction brought home the bacon for our charities, and this time, we’re turning up the heat. The auction website is already live - hop on the site (link available on the FB event page) and let the bidding wars begin. Check back daily for new items - everything from services and handcrafted treasures to must-have goodies donated by local businesses and artisans. The highest bidder at 6:45pm on September 27th takes home the prize, so don’t let your dream item slip away!
We’re calling on all heroes - big and small! The success of our silent auction and gift basket raffle comes down to your generosity. Are you a local business? This is your moment! Donate an item or service for the online auction or the basket raffle and get your name in front of Ellicottville’s friendliest crowd. Have a unique item or a cool experience to share? Maybe you’re a master of assembling themed baskets? We need you! Cash donations are always welcome too, and every dollar goes directly to community projects, scholarships, and local improvements. Gift baskets are always a fan favorite - think outside the box and have fun with it!
If you’d like to donate to the online auction or basket raffle, reach us by email at evlrotaryclub@gmail.com or message us on Facebook. Let’s team up for a great cause!
WHY IT MATTERS: ELLICOTTVILLE AT ITS BEST
This isn’t just about chili (though, let’s be honest, that’s a huge bonus). Every bowl, every raffle ticket, every auction bid helps our community thrive - funding scholarships, local projects, and programs that make Ellicottville shine just a little brighter. Last year’s event was a roaring success, and with your help, we’ll make this year even spicier!
Whether you’re stirring the pot, bidding on treasures, donating your epic basket, or just coming to eat, drink, and cheer, you’re part of what makes this event so special. Spots for contestants are heating up! Remember, only 25 will make the cut! The online auction is open now - start bidding and keep checking for the latest additions. Donors, your gift baskets, auction items, and cash support are the secret ingredients to our success.
Circle the date, get ready for good times, check out the Facebook event, and share it far and wide. Let’s make this Chili Cook-off the hottest event of the year!