Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges Chili Challenge
Event: Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges Chili Challenge
Date of Event: Saturday, January 16, 2027
Location: Oxford Civic Center – Gymnasium, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203
Time of Event: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Contestant check-in and setup begin at 12:00 p.m.)
Event Details
The Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges Chili Challenge is a fundraising event benefiting the Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation. This annual competition brings together law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders from across Calhoun County for a friendly chili competition while strengthening relationships between public safety agencies and the communities they serve.
After three years of hosting the event during the summer, the Foundation is moving the competition to winter in response to feedback from participants and attendees. The new January date offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy hot chili during cooler weather while continuing a growing community tradition.
Last year's event featured participation from 13 different public safety agencies, and the Foundation looks forward to welcoming returning competitors and new participants for the fourth annual competition.
Contestants should arrive at 12:00 p.m. to check in and set up their stations. Doors will open to the public at 1:00 p.m., with official judging beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The competition will feature three award categories:
Judges' Choice – First, Second, and Third Place
A panel of three judges will evaluate chili entries through a blind judging process. Each contestant will receive three sample cups identified by a randomly assigned number. Judges will not know which contestant or agency prepared each entry.
The competition will consist of three rounds of judging to determine first, second, and third place winners.
People's Choice Award
Each attendee will receive one voting ticket to cast for their favorite chili. Additional voting tickets will be available for purchase.
Attendees may place their tickets at the station of the chili they enjoy most. At the conclusion of the competition, votes will be collected and counted. The contestant receiving the most votes will receive the People's Choice Award.
Agency Traveling Trophy
In addition to the individual awards, participating public safety agencies will compete for the traveling Battle of the Badges trophy.
The Anniston team, which won the trophy at the previous competition, will return it for the fourth annual event and have the opportunity to compete to retain the title.
The winning agency will receive the trophy and proudly display it at its department until the following year's competition.
Contest Rules
Contestants must be pre-registered. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Registrations must be received no later than January 9, 2027.
Contestants must check in at the registration table at 12:00 p.m.
Each batch of chili must be prepared in advance.
Contestants are required to bring a crockpot-style cooker large enough to hold their chili batch.
Contestants should prepare 3–5 quarts of chili.
Contestants must bring an extension cord to ensure their crockpot can be plugged in.
All ingredients are acceptable. Contestants must submit an ingredient list to the Foundation via email before the event. Measurements are not required. Ingredient lists are collected to help identify potential allergens.
Contestants must rate their chili's spice level on a scale of 1–10, with 10 being the hottest. This information is provided for tasters only.
Condiments for each contestant's chili should be placed in separate bowls. Condiments are optional.
Each contestant will prepare one sample cup of chili for each judge. A runner will deliver the cups to the judges' table.
Judges will not be allowed to see which contestant's station each cup comes from before final judging.
Contestants are responsible for cleaning their stations.
Event staff will dispose of any items left behind after the event concludes.
NOTE: The Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation will provide sample cups, bowls, spoons, and napkins.
Judging
Judging will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Winners will be announced following the completion of judging.
Three rounds of judging will determine first, second, and third place.
The People's Choice Award will be determined by the number of voting tickets received by each contestant.
An additional judging round will be conducted if necessary to resolve a tie.
All judging will be based solely on taste.
Round 1
Each judge will sample the submitted chili entries and score them on a scale of 1–10 based on taste.
The top five entries will advance to Round 2.
In the event of a tie affecting advancement, a fourth judge will taste the tied entries and determine which advances.
Round 2
Each judge will sample the remaining chili entries and score them on a scale of 1–10.
The top three entries will advance to Round 3.
In the event of a tie affecting advancement, the fourth judge will determine which entry advances.
Round 3
Each judge will sample the three finalist entries and score them on a scale of 1–10.
The chili with the highest score will be awarded first place, followed by second and third place based on scores.
In the event of a tie, the fourth judge will determine the final placement.
