Join the City of Lakewood Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department﻿ for the 15th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event features free entertainment, the traditional lighting of the City of Lakewood Christmas Tree, visits with Santa, Christmas crafts, mailing a letter to Santa, and much more. (Due to budget restraints there will be no gifts this year) Theme: Celebrate the Gift of Giving

Join the City of Lakewood Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department﻿ for the 15th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event features free entertainment, the traditional lighting of the City of Lakewood Christmas Tree, visits with Santa, Christmas crafts, mailing a letter to Santa, and much more.

(Due to budget restraints there will be no gifts this year) Theme: Celebrate the Gift of Giving

Pierce County

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Lakewood-JBLM

Washington

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Arts & Entertainment

University Place

Puyallup

Gig Harbor

Bonney Lake-Sumner

King County

Enumclaw

Renton

Mercer Island

Seattle

Bellevue

Sammamish-Issaquah

Washington State Fair - Green Gate

MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALESaturday May 2nd 9:00-4:00 and Sunday 10:00-2:00Tomatoes, Veggies, Herbs, Perennials for Sun and Shade, Ornamental Grasses, Natives, Small Fruit, and Vines. Plus Fancy Geraniums and a huge variety of fuchsias……AND LOTS more.Local Plant Societies, Community Partners and Vendors&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Gardener talks&nbsp;Sat, May 2nd – 1:30pm-2:15pm: Reimagining your Lawn &amp; 2:30pm-3:15pm: Right Plant, Right Place ~ Sun, May 3rd – 12:00pm-1:00pm: Attracting Native Bees to your Garden Oasis

Local Event: Master Gardener Plant Sale

Master Gardener Plant Sale

MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALESaturday May 2nd 9:00-4:00 and Sunday 10:00-2:00Tomatoes, Veggies, Herbs, Perennials for Sun and...

1425 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327

Chili lovers, families, and community supporters—get ready to turn up the heat in DuPont this spring. Proudly sponsored and supporting our Veterans and military by <a href="https://www.youracu.org/locations/americas-credit-union-in-dupont-wa/?utm_source=Dupont-Chili-Cookoff" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">America's Credit Union</a>.
The 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Hive Market Place (1425 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327). Hosted by the DuPont American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post #53 and organized by KCBS Certified Master Judge and CASI-certified judge Tom Riggs, this one-day festival blends serious competition, unlimited tastings, and a powerful local mission. Tom has produced 6 Chili cookoffs in Dupont.<a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
For one price, your wristband becomes your ticket to try multiple chili recipes from CASI (Texas Red) and Homestyle teams, compare flavors, and cast your vote for People’s Choice. Every bowl you sample helps fund healthy youth programs in the South Sound and supports Veterans in need through American Legion Post 53.<a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>When &amp; Where</h2>
<ul><li>Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026</li><li>Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (public tastings 12:15 pm – 3:30 pm; awards at 4:00 pm)</li><li>Location: The Hive Market Place (parking lot next to ACU)</li><li>Address: 1425 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327</li></ul>
Teams arrive early to set up and pass health inspections, then open their tents to the public at 12:15 pm for a non-stop run of chili samples until 3:30 pm. At 4:00 pm, cooks, sponsors, and attendees crowd around the awards area to see who takes home cash prizes, ribbons, and bragging rights.<a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/4c9af348-8e3e-4131-bc9e-72810576b68d/pasted-text.txt" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>Tickets &amp; Wristbands</h2>
The DuPont Chili Cookoff uses simple, all-you-can-eat wristbands so you can focus on flavor, not counting tickets.
<ul><li>$10 – All-you-can-eat chili samples</li><li>$15 – All-you-can-eat chili plus mac-n-cheese and cornbread</li><li>20% discount for:<ul><li>Members of any Veteran Service Organization</li><li>Police officers</li><li>Firefighters</li><li>First responders</li></ul></li></ul>
Discounted pricing works out to $8 for chili-only or $12 for chili + mac-n-cheese + cornbread for those eligible.<a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
👉 Buy your wristbands online now so you’re ready to walk straight into the tasting area: GET<a href="https://www.discoverdupont.com/directory/dupont-chili-cookoff-unlimited-chili-competition-and-community-in-dupont-wa-article-652.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">YOURS HERE</a> <a href="https://discoverdupont.com/directory/dupont-chili-cookoff-unlimited-chili-competition-and-community-in-dupont-wa-article-652.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>
(That page includes direct ticket links, detailed rules, and live updates as the event approaches.)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.discoverdupont.com/events/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>Competition: CASI &amp; Homestyle</h2>
Behind the scenes, this is a serious contest designed for both backyard heroes and seasoned chili cooks.
<ul><li>CASI (Texas Red): Classic Texas Red chili judged under CASI guidelines—no beans, emphasis on meat, spice, and balance. CASI judges and procedures make this a true competition for chili purists.</li><li>Homestyle Chili: Open-style chili with beans and creative ingredients allowed. Perfect for teams who want to bring their family recipe and see how it stacks up.</li></ul>
Key times for teams:
<ul><li>08:30 – 09:30 – Team set-up</li><li>10:00 – 11:30 – Possible Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department inspection</li><li>12:00 – CASI chili turn-in</li><li>12:15 – 3:30 – Chili samples available to the public</li><li>1:30 – Homestyle chili turn-in</li><li>4:00 – Awards ceremony</li></ul>
Team Entry Fees:
<ul><li>$25 – Homestyle entry</li><li>$25 – CASI (Texas Red) entry</li><li>$40 – Both categories (bundle)</li></ul>
Cooks must prepare all chili on-site using gas or propane stoves, provide at least 1.5 gallons for judging and sampling, and bring their own canopy, tables, fire extinguisher, and hand-wash station. Every team must have at least one person with a current food handler permit and complete Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department paperwork. [user]<a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/d4a0cbd5-388d-4e26-9181-d1d06ffd4d4a/guide-for-the-first-time-CASI-chili-cook.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>Prizes &amp; People’s Choice</h2>
There’s more than bragging rights on the line. [user]
Homestyle Prizes:
<ul><li>1st – $200</li><li>2nd – $100</li><li>3rd – $50</li><li>4th – $25</li><li>5th – $25</li><li>Ribbons for 1st–10th</li></ul>
CASI (Texas Red):
<ul><li>Ribbons for 1st–10th</li></ul>
People’s Choice:
<ul><li>1 winner – $100 (based on public tasting votes)</li></ul>
If you love tasting chili and having your opinion count, People’s Choice is where you can directly influence the outcome. [user]<a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>Why This Event Matters</h2>
This chili cookoff isn’t just about heat—it’s about heart.
Proceeds from wristbands, entry fees, and sponsorships help the DuPont American Legion Post 53 fund healthy youth activities in the South Sound and offer targeted support to Veterans in need. The event also honors the legacy of Army Ranger Pat Tillman through the work of the Pat Tillman Memorial Post.<a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
Local businesses can participate as sponsors or vendors, gaining visibility with families, Veterans, and food fans while backing a cause-driven event that already draws strong regional attention.<a target="_blank" href="https://lakewood-chamber.org/events/united-states/washington/dupont/community-events/dupont-chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a>
<h2>Be a Cook, Sponsor, or Vendor</h2>
<ul><li>Want to compete? Register your team and secure your spot before categories fill.</li><li>Want to sponsor or vend? The organizers will work with you—even if a traditional sponsorship line item isn’t in the budget—to find creative ways to promote your business and connect you with attendees.<a target="_blank" href="https://bbqdupont.com/chili-cookoff/" rel="nofollow noopener"></a><a target="_blank" href="https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/collection_6c0ee7a9-0e0a-448d-ac75-2fe2d9c330a2/8cf064cd-b2d7-4f01-bf4c-acd006262d9c/dupont-chili-cookoff-content-authority.md" rel="nofollow noopener"></a></li></ul>
Find registration and contact details here: <a href="https://discoverdupont.com/directory/dupont-chili-cookoff-unlimited-chili-competition-and-community-in-dupont-wa-article-652.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>

Local Event: 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2

2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on...

Chili lovers, families, and community supporters—get ready to turn up the heat in DuPont this spring. Proudly sponsored and...

2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2

Virtual, Tacoma, and Spokane

The Washington State Nonprofit Conference (WSNC) is the largest gathering of nonprofits in the state bringing together nonprofit leaders to learn, connect, and inspire. This year’s Washington State Nonprofit Conference will be:*Online May 6-7 *In-person Tacoma- Monday, May 11 *In-person Spokane- Friday, May 15Powerful keynote speakers, memorable workshops, and invaluable connections&nbsp;await; see you there!

Local Event: Washington State Nonprofit Conference

Washington State Nonprofit Conference

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Master Gardener Plant Sale

2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2

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Michael Matthews, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__np_hU" src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>

Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Lakewood-JBLMfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Michael Matthews, Patch Staff