College of Education and Social Sciences (COESS) Chili Cook-off has been a popular event on campus for the past seven years. With the free chili, people come out to support local groups, students, organizations and staff at WTAMU who come to compete.

“It’s basically open to everyone, and there’s no fees, and they’re getting meat donated to them,” Dr. Robin Capt, the Associate Dean of Graduate School and host of the cook-off, said.

The Meat Lab is donating five pounds of meat to all the registered participates so everyone will have a chance to compete. The rules require that contestants must be associated with WT. Groups of up to five people can register.

There will be a live band, The Drew Bledsoe Band, providing entertainment at the cook-off. The competition has been a bonding experience for some participants.

“My experience was good overall, I had a great time making the chili with my fraternity brothers,” Leif Kertis, senior Criminal Justice major and the President of Sigma Nu Fraternity, said.

Those who do not compete still enjoy the event.

“It’s good fun!” said Pam Miller, the administrative assistant at the Institutional Research. Miller attended the cook-off last year.

There are several winners chosen in the chili cook-off. The judges are usually Dr. Eddie Henderson, the Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences, four to five faculty members and the student body president. The winners usually get certificates from the University Bookstore.

Categories in the competition include Best Table, Best Chili Name and Best Non-traditional Chili.

The Chili Cook-off will take place on Oct. 4 from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Pedestrian Mall.