It’s time for the 20th annual Stephens County GOP Chili Cook-off where families gather for a free Halloween-themed party.
The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Stephens County Fairgrounds, located at 2002 S. 13th St. in Duncan, 73533.
Members say the cookoff is intended to energize Republicans to vote in upcoming elections, register to vote, and win over anyone whose party or candidate is undecided, said Wayne Watts, 4th District representative of the Stephens County Republican Party.
Oklahoma Country Band of the Year, Texhoma Band of the Year and True Value Country Showdown finalist Summer Breeze is scheduled to perform during the event. Performing since 1976, the Duncan-based band performs more than 75 covers, paying tribute to The Eagles, Brooks and Dunn, George Strait and more.
“This event attracts people who would never come to a Republican event,” Watts said of the chili cook-off. “It’s free food, free entertainment and it’s a chance to win valuable prizes.”
At least 30 cooks will each bring three gallons of chili for sampling. One-ounce cups are free while larger sampling cups are $1, Watts said.
With that purchase, diners will receive tickets to nominate the best cook for the People’s Choice Award.
“You might not think one ounce is a lot, but if you sample 30 cooks, that’s a lot of chili,” Watts said.
Hot dogs, Fritos, desserts and beverages will also be available at the concession stand.
The free event features live music, Halloween- themed vendor booths and candy, a children’s carnival, karaoke, a clown, magician, caricature artist, a big screen TV for football game viewers, and door prizes.
To qualify for door prizes, participants must visit each booth for a stamp to enter and remain until the end of the evening when winners are announced.
President of the Stephens County GOP, Leon Farris, said it’s a popular event for the area, and he expects around 1,000 people this year, up from the typical 500-600.
Farris said the event organizers owes its success to all the volunteers.
“We’ve got a great bunch of volunteers that work hard,” Farris said. “Those volunteers have been mentored for many, many years starting with Dr. Gerald Beasley back in the ‘70s and ‘80s and Steve Fair (vice chairman) and (executive committee member and former state Rep.) Dennis Johnson.”