Overview:
The 43rd edition of the Mass State Chili Cookoff, also known as "The Beast of the East," will be held at Winchendon Community Park this Saturday, Aug. 2. The event is sponsored by the Kiwanis of Winchendon, and all proceeds will benefit local children in the community. Visitors can sample chili from 16 cooks and vote for their favorite with a donation of 25 cents. The event also features an ice cream truck, vendors, and event merchandise. The overall champion will qualify for the 2025 World Championship Chili Cookoff.
WINCHENDON – The Mass State Chili Cookoff, also known as “The Beast of the East,” returns to Winchendon this Saturday, Aug. 2.
The event—which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winchendon Community Park on Maple Street—is sponsored by the Kiwanis of Winchendon. Kiwanis Vice President Dennis Whitcomb Jr., said this will be the 43rd edition of the popular gastronomic event. Entry is $5, kids 12 and under get in free.
“Every dollar the Kiwanis make off this event stays in the community, helping kids in Winchendon, Templeton and Baldwinville,” said Whitcomb. “We provide scholarships for kids who can’t afford to go to summer camp at the Clark (Memorial YMCA). We give out anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 in scholarships every year. We also do some community projects. In the past, we’ve done some things with the elderly at Broadview (Assisted Living).”
The Kiwanis of Winchendon also oversees Key Club International chapters at Murdock High School in Winchendon and Mahar Regional High School in Orange. The nationwide high school branch of the Kiwanis celebrated its 100th anniversary in May.
Whitcomb added that 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kiwanis of Winchendon.
Whitcomb expects that a few of the students will help out at the cookoff, as well as members of the Youth Changemakers, in the food tent, also known as the World Famous George Bousquet Kiwanis/CAC Food Tent.
“When you buy a burger, hot dog, or snack from us, people are doing more than just grabbing lunch; they’re investing in local kids,” he said.
Whitcomb said around 16 cooks from around the northeast have registered to participate this Saturday. He added that as of Wednesday, the team traveling the farthest to compete is from New Jersey.
A donation of 25 cents allows visitors to vote for their favorite chili and quarters will be available at the gate. Event merchandise will be for sale and there will also be a number of vendors, as well as an ice cream truck.
The event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society. A prize of $100 and a trophy is awarded to each of the winners in four categories; Local People’s Choice, ICS People’s Choice, Best Booth/Showmanship and Overall Champion. The winning youth cook gets $50 and a trophy. The Winchendon event, one of 34 held around the country, serves as a qualifier for the 2026 season. The Overall Champion also qualifies to move on to the next step toward the 2025 World Championship Chili Cookoff.
Whitcomb said most cooks have varying levels of heat in their chili.
“There will for sure be a chili for everyone’s taste,” he said. “Some with beans, some without, some made with chocolate – yes chocolate – and some with a BBQ base.”
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.