When you combine a festive atmosphere, live music, classic cars, and mouthwatering chili, you’ve got the perfect recipe for the 25th Annual Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff! This much-anticipated community celebration is set for noon - 6 p.m., Saturday, June 7 at Wheeling’s scenic Heritage Port, rain or shine.

Admission is free and open to the public, with chili tasting cups, beverages and event t-shirts available for purchase through the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.

“The proceeds from the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff benefit the United Way, so we invite area restaurants and individual cooks to whip up their best chili recipes as we aim to reach another important fundraising milestone,” said Rosemary Humway-Warmuth, Committee Chair. “We are excited to welcome everyone to another great cookoff.”

Presented by the City of Wheeling and sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS), the cookoff welcomes entries from all chili cooks — including commercial participants, restaurants, individual cooks and youth (ages 6–17). There is no entry fee for first time cooks. Cash prizes will be awarded in various categories: ICS Red, ICS Chili Verde, ICS Homestyle, and Veggie. Additional awards will also be presented.

The Commercial category invites businesses, restaurants, schools, professional groups and teams to participate. Vendors offering items such as crafts, apparel, food, spices and jewelry are also welcome to set up at the event.

The excitement doesn’t stop at chili. The day will feature live entertainment from The Trainjumpers and a Car Cruise from noon to 4 p.m. at 12th and Water streets, with dash plaques awarded to all car participants. There is no entry fee for the cruise.

All first-place winners in ICS categories will qualify for the 2025 ICS World Cook-off and the 2025 World Food Championships, while all youth participants will earn automatic entry into the World Cookoff in Indianapolis, Oct. 16-19.

“We are incredibly grateful to the City of Wheeling for the dedication and effort in organizing the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff. The support means the world to us, and events like this not only bring the community together in fun and fellowship but also make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve,” said Staci Stephen, Executive Director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. “At United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, our mission is to improve the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. The funds raised through the Chili Cookoff will directly support local programs and organizations that are making a real difference every day. We are honored to be the beneficiary of this amazing tradition and look forward to a fantastic event on June 7.”

To register as a participant, visit www.chilicookoff.com. For more information or to join the ICS, email chilicookoff@wheelingwv.gov or call 304-234-3636.