Quitman Pilots announce 2026 chili cookoff

The annual Quitman Pilot Club’s Chili Cook-Off fundraiser will be held Friday, Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman. 2026 is expected to be a sell-out year, so cooking contestants should reserve their spots soon.

The entry fee for cooks is $25, along with a $25 gift card, or $50 without a gift card. Gift cards will be used to build high-dollar raffle buckets that will be raffled on the night of the event. For the chili entry forms and sponsorship forms, visit the Quitman Pilot Club website at quitmanpilot.org.

Tickets to attend and eat endless chili are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They are available in advance from any Quitman Pilot and will also be sold at the door. Patrons can also email the club through its website to arrange for ticket purchase.

Musician Preston Barrett, who covers a wide range of genres including traditional and classic country, Americana, folk, rock/Southern rock and rockabilly, will entertain. The fun will also include a lively dessert auction and baked goods for purchase.

Brenna Russell, 2026 chairwoman, said, “This is an affordable and fun event that is highly anticipated every year by our generous sponsors, contestants and attendees.

“The contestants go all-in on their costumes and booth decorations, and they craft some of the best chili anywhere. While loaded with fun, this annual event is our signature fundraiser, helping us support our charitable work. We always appreciate the enthusiastic support we get for this event and can’t wait to see everybody!”

All money raised supports the all-volunteer Quitman Pilot Club’s mission of providing education for the prevention of traumatic brain injury and offering services to those suffering from brain-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke and autism.

The club achieves this through bicycle safety programs, sponsorship of Project LifeSaver wander guard bracelets, scholarships for local high school students and sponsorship of the local Special Olympics meet, among other projects that contribute to the health, safety and quality of local life.

The club is also the program partner of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and funds the distribution of free books to children aged 0-5 in Quitman, Alba-Golden and Yantis.