Chili is clearly not just for the winter anymore. Saturday, Oct. 8 marked the 20th Annual Chili Cook-off, sponsored by State Bank of La Crosse. The 80-degree weather may not have been ideal conditions for consuming this warm dish, but the chili connoisseurs continued to come out to downtown La Crosse with a "cast-iron stomach" to try the countless recipes.

Visitors came from all around the La Crosse area to savor over 30 different recipes. The small fee entitled guests to infinite cups of mouthwatering chili among many other delicious treats, including cornbread muffins, homemade tortilla chips and even some milk to cool the palate.

There was also live music, a bake sale, a dunk tank and an inflatable jump house for children. Prize giveaways and a chili pepper eating contest were also part of Saturday's event.

Numerous local businesses participated to show off their culinary capabilities.  CenturyLink, Trane, Marcus Cinema, Dahl Ford and The Onalaska Police Department are just a few of the businesses that participated.

One group that really stood out was our very own Delta Sigma Phi fraternity of UW-La Crosse. The Delta Sigma Phi boys have competed and put on quite the show the last couple of years, consecutively winning the last two annual chili cook-offs.

This year, fraternity member Jesse Sorenson made a confident prediction: "This will be our third win," said Sorenson.

Unfortunately for Sorenson and the other Delta Sigma Phi boys, they didn't come out so victorious this year.  The People's Food Co-op of La Crosse stole their spotlight, winning the annual traveling trophy.

Although Delta Sigma Phi did not win this year, they still were a favorite of many. "Go to the guys in the green shirts," said Dale Thompson, a La Crosse citizen and annual visitor of the chili cook-off. "They have the best chili!  They get four votes from me."

The Delta Sigma Phi boys have had a great time participating in the event the past three years.  Not only do they enjoy the competition, cooking and chili-eating, they also are doing it for a good cause. All proceeds from the event go to D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), G.R.E.A.T (Gang Resistance Education and Training) and Habitat for Humanity programs. This is the first year Habitat for Humanity has been added to the list of programs.

The chili cook-off has contributed over $158,000 to D.A.R.E and G.R.E.A.T over the last 15 years.  Last year alone, it raised over $13,000 for these local foundations.

La Crosse's Annual Chili Cook-off is a great event that advertises local businesses, brings our locals and visitors together and most importantly raises money for causes that really matter in the community.

If you missed out on this year's event, visit next year's 21st Annual Chili Cook-off located in the parking lot of State Bank.

If you are interested in cooking in next year's event, visit www.lacrossedowntown.com for contact information.  The entrance fee for cooks is $15. Contestants get the chance to win the title of "Best Chili" and to earn the extra satisfaction of participating in a charitable event.