NFCCA Chili and Curry Cook-Off is on 22 February

Get ready! One of neighborhood’s most anticipated events is coming up fast! Mark your calendars for the NFCCA 2026 Chili & Curry Cook-Off, happening Sunday, 22 February 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the All-Purpose Room at Forest Knolls Elementary School (10830 Eastwood Avenue). This community tradition returns with an exciting lineup of chili and curry dishes, friendly competition, and fun for all ages. Everyone is welcome!

We’re looking for chili and curry masters to make this tasty competition possible. Whether you have a signature recipe, love to cook, or just want to share food and fun with your neighbors, this is your moment. Bonus: there are prizes!

Last year, we had nearly 15 chili and curry masters, including The Trini Crew’s Curried Chicken with Dumplings by Antoinette Ramdath, the fan favorite. The J Smith Squared team took home two wins, with Julie Smith’s chili and Jaclyn Smith’s curry dish. Will the reigning champions hold their titles, or will a new cook rise to the top? The stakes are high ... and delicious.

Not interested in cooking chili or curry? There are plenty of other ways to participate. We’re also looking for volunteers to bake cornbread (the perfect side with chili), bake desserts, and help with setup, teardown, refreshments, and more.

Use this QR code to sign up to either cook chili or curry or to otherwise volunteer at this year’s event. Or use the link just below. [Find out even more at the link at the bottom.] And thanks!

Sign Up to Cook or Volunteer

This event is family-friendly fun for everyone. Kids can enjoy activities — including the return of the popular balloon artist from the Winter Social — while adults can savor the competition and community spirit. Last year’s Cook-Off showcased an incredible variety of dishes from classic beef chili to brisket, sausage, and vegan options. Curry entries featured chicken, cauliflower, peppers, dumplings, and more. No matter your taste or dietary preference, there’s something for everyone. Make this a family event or bring your friends to sample it all!

This is NFCCA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and your support means a lot. It helps fund the North Four Corners News, community activities, Zoom meeting coverage at the school, and other neighborhood events, like the All-Ages Bicycle Rides, National Night Out, and our Winter Social. Most importantly, it helps us connect with neighbors and build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Tasting tickets are $2 per chili sample. Online sales are now open on this website. There are also blocks of 5, 10, 15, and 20 tickets available. Refreshments will also be available for purchase. Each tasting ticket includes one voting ticket, so you get to help choose the winners for our 2026 Cook-Off.

Think last year’s competition was HOT? This year’s event is shaping up to be even HOTTER, and we can’t wait to see you there. Come cook, taste, vote, and celebrate our fantastic community! ■

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