Vista Crowned Three Chili Winners. The Riders Want Three More. |
Post 365 settled the argument in March. Labor Day puts the recipes back on trial. |
Vista already crowned its chili champions. Apparently, the decision was not binding.
American Legion Riders Chapter 365 is hosting a separate Labor Day Chili Cook-Off on Monday, Sept. 7, from noon to 3 p.m.
The battleground is American Legion Post 365, 1234 South Santa Fe Avenue in Vista.
The event is advertised as open to the public, family-friendly and looking for contestants.
Prizes await the top three finishers.
Because three chili winners in one year is respectable.
Six means the city has developed a very specific hobby.
Wait—Didn’t This Happen in March?
It did.
Post 365 held a chili cook-off on March 21. Its official archive recorded the results:
Lyn Leahy took first place. Jon McDermed finished second. Lisa Rasberry placed third.
Case closed.
Until Labor Day.
The March event was the Post 365 Chili Cookoff.
The Sept. 7 competition is hosted specifically by American Legion Riders Chapter 365.
Same address.
Different contest.
Fresh opportunity to discover that somebody else also considers smoked paprika a personality trait.
Vista Has Been Here Before
Post 365’s chili history did not begin in March. Its official archives document another competition in March 2025 and a September 2022 cook-off that attracted 16 cooks.
Post records also document a Riders chili cook-off during Labor Day 2025.
So this is not a sudden outbreak of competitive crockpots.
It is a returning argument with recipes.
Three Prizes, Several Missing Ingredients
The current Labor Day flyer promises prizes for the top three contestants.
It does not identify the prizes.
Contestants can register by contacting Elizabeth Perez at 760-271-2769 or GCG1111@gmail.com.
The flyer also advertises a raffle basket that will be announced the same day. It does not publish the drawing time or raffle-ticket price.
Admission, sampling and contestant prices are not listed on the official flyer.
Neither is the judging method.
That makes Perez the useful contact before arriving with a slow cooker, a guarded family recipe and the confidence of someone whose relatives have been lying politely for years.
The Public Gets Through the Door
Post 365 shares its Vista facility with VFW Post 7041. Its website welcomes active-duty personnel, retirees, families and American Legion and VFW members.
The cook-off invitation reaches beyond that membership circle.
The flyer explicitly says the event is open to the public.
You do not have to belong to the Legion or ride a motorcycle to attend.
The American Legion describes its Riders nationally as a program built around service, camaraderie and community impact.
The local flyer does not identify a fundraising beneficiary, however. No particular use of proceeds should be assumed.
What is confirmed is simpler:
Labor Day has a destination.
Vista has another chili contest.
And March’s winners are about to get company.
Questions You May Have About The Chili Cook-Off
When is the Labor Day Chili Cook-Off?
Where will it be held?
Can the public attend?
How do contestants register?
How much does it cost?
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9 Comments
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Love how the public gets to join. My kids are pumped for some chili!
Not a fan of the missing info on ticket prices and all that. Would be nice to know before showing up.
Props to the Legion for keeping things lively in Vista. Looking forward to a spicy Labor Day.
Any idea if there’s a veggie chili category? Not all of us eat meat!
Kinda confused why they need two chili contests every year, but hey, more to eat!
Denise TaylorI know, right? I think the folks at the Legion just like an excuse to get everyone together. I won't complain if it means more chili for us.
I remember going to the one last March, had a blast. Might have to try my luck as a contestant this time!
I wish they would say what the prizes are! Still going for the taste tests though.
Maria G.Same! I always want to know if I’m cooking for bragging rights or something fun. But honestly, the tasting is the best part anyway.