June 6, 2017 – Col. E.F. Brundage, President of the Great Republic of Rough and Ready, has proclaimed Sunday, June 25th as the unofficial beginning of Summer and the date of the Annual Rough and Ready Secession Days Chili Cook-off.
The event, held in celebration of the town’s 1850 Secession from the Union, draws chili chefs and chili aficionados from around the area to cook and taste some of the best chili in Nevada County.
Almost a dozen teams are expected to vie this year for the Best Chili title, awarded by a panel of expert judges. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to sample the various chili recipes and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award. Past competitors Team Chili Billy, Mondog’s Chili, Fire in the Hole Chili, Uptown Chili, Granny’s Awesome Chili, American Legion Riders and Firehouse Chili will be challenged by newcomers Poppa’s Chili, California Red, Chili is My Favorite Flavor! and others in an attempt to claim the Cook-off crown.
The event will be held in downtown Rough and Ready and will begin at 7am inside the Fire Station with the Rough and Ready Firefighters Association’s Chuckwagon Breakfast…a delicious breakfast for only $8 for adults and $6 for children. At 9am the Chili Chefs will begin cooking and the Crafter’s Marketplace will be busy showing their wares. All with live music accompaniment.
Chili Tasting kits will go on sale for $5.00 at 11am, with judging and chili tasting commencing at 1pm. Following the judges’ deliberations, the scores will be announced and the cash awards of $500 for the First Place winner and $250 for the 2nd Place winner (both generously provided by the Animal Clinics of Rough and Ready and Penn Valley) and the $250 People’s Choice Award will be presented.
Although the popular melodrama “The Saga of Rough and Ready” will not be performed this year, Col. Brundage will make an appearance prior to the chili tasting and offer his reminisces of the town’s early days, Secession and 3 months as The Great Republic. Town Blacksmith Michael Smallwood and his team of smithys will have the forge fired up for demonstrations in the historic Fippin Blacksmith Shop, where visitors can also stock up on genuine authentic “Great Republic of Rough and Ready” apparel and souvenirs. Noon should see some of the Gra-Neva A’s arriving in their newfangled horseless carriages.
And the kids have not been forgotten. A Bounce House and water slide will keep them happy and occupied for hours. Nor have appetites been overlooked. Hot Dogs from the Firefighters Association will be available.
Raffles, games of chance, food, music…Its wholesome fun for the whole family! Admission and parking is free. All proceeds benefit non-profit Rough and Ready organizations: The Rough and Ready Chamber of Commerce, The Rough and Ready Grange and The Rough and Ready Firefighters Association.
What: Rough and Ready Annual Secession Days Chili Cook-off
When: Sunday, June 25, 2017
Where: Downtown Rough and Ready, 5 miles west of Grass Valley on Rough and Ready Hwy.
Tickets: Free Admission. $5 Chili Tasting Kits