The La Pine Frontier Days Association and WaFd Bank are proud to present the 50th Anniversary Newberry Explosion Chili Cook-Off and Salsa Contest on Tuesday, July 1, 2026. This crowd-favorite event brings together amateur and experienced cooks for a spicy day of competition, community, and great food during La Pine’s historic 50th celebration.

Event Highlights

• Chili Cook-Off – Public Judging & Tasting begins at 5:00 PM
• Salsa Contest – Fresh & Canned categories judged at 5:00 PM
• Awards: $75 People’s Choice Award for Chili + $50 awards for Best Fresh Salsa and Best Canned Salsa

Come cheer on the cooks, sample the entries, and vote for your favorites!

Entry Information

• Entry Fee: $10 per category (Chili and/or Salsa)
• Deadline: Entries must be submitted by June 26, 2026
• Chili: Teams prepare their chili on-site. Must contain beans, minimum 4 quarts (6 recommended). All prep work (chopping, sautéing, etc.) must be done at the cook site. Cooks provide their own cooking equipment (propane, charcoal, wood, etc.) and follow safety guidelines. Setup begins at 11:00 AM, with a pre-start meeting at 12:30 PM. Chili must be ready for public tasting by 5:00 PM.
• Salsa: Bring your finished salsa from home — minimum 1 pint fresh or 1 jar canned. Label containers with your name and phone number. Entries accepted 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

All participants must be familiar with the official rules and sign a liability waiver. Full rules and the entry form are available for download on this site.

This is a fun, flavorful event that captures the hometown spirit of La Pine Frontier Days. Whether you’re a seasoned chili champion, a salsa specialist, or just coming to enjoy the samples, mark your calendar for July 1st and join the celebration!

Questions? Contact the La Pine Frontier Days Association: [email protected] | 541-536-7821

We look forward to tasting your best recipes! 🌶️

Chili Cook-off entry form & rules