Join us for two days of FREE FUN for everyone!  Since 1988, Lacey Spring Fun Fair has provided FREE Kidsworld activities, such as pony rides and giant slides as well as live entertainment for thousands of visitors.  Enjoy arts &amp; crafts, commerical vendors, and food concessions.  Parade is Saturday at noon, Car Show all day Sunday.

Pierce County

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Lakewood-JBLM

Washington

Lacey Spring Fun Fair

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

The Washington State Nonprofit Conference (WSNC) is the largest gathering of nonprofits in the state bringing together...

🌱 Patch AM: Which nearby lakes could land...

And on the Lakewood Patch calendar - Master Gardener Plant Sale

🌱 Patch AM: Which nearby lakes could land Lakewood anglers Trout Derby prizes?

Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Who’s teeing off when the...

Coming up on the Lakewood Patch calendar: 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2

🌱 Patch AM: Who’s teeing off when the Washington Open comes to Lakewood?

🌱 Patch AM: Lakewood fire survivors reach...

Also, don’t miss 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2 on the Lakewood Patch calendar

🌱 Patch AM: Lakewood fire survivors reach settlement over deadly Jamestown Estates blaze

🌱 Patch AM: How will Western State’s huge new...

And on the Lakewood Patch calendar - 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2

🌱 Patch AM: How will Western State’s huge new Lakewood campus change safety protocols?

🌱 Patch AM: See how the massive new Western...

Happening soon: 2nd Annual DuPont Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, May 2 on the Lakewood Patch calendar

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Arts & Entertainment

Lacey Spring Fun Fair

Jeannette Sieler, Neighbor

More from Lakewood-JBLM

Master Gardener Plant Sale

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

Washington State Nonprofit Conference