ALTON — Cassie Tarter won both the individual category and best-decorated booth honors Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off, an Alton Main Street event bringing amateur and professional chili cooks together to compete at FLOCK Food Truck Park & Bar.
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Other category winners were the Alton Township Democrats in the organization division, Bossanova in the restaurant division, and Toddle Towne Learning Centers in the business division. The Alton Athletic Association won the People’s Choice award.
The competition invited local cooks to pit their favorite chili recipes against others in similar categories. The event was held on the venue’s patio, with live music from Psychedelic Symphony.
Organizers designated $100 prizes for winners in each of the four chili categories, along with a separate $100 prize for the best-decorated booth. The People’s Choice award carried a silver ladle and bragging rights.
Downtown Alton Chili Cookoff winners:
Individual Category and Best Decorated - Cassie Tarter
Organization Category - Alton Township Democrats
Restaurant Category - Bossanova
Business Category - Toddle Towne Learning Centers
Peoples' Choice - Alton Athletic Association
