The annual D.C. Chili Cook-Off, a day of food, bands and beer, was held May 12 at the RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The day-long event is put on by the D.C.101 radio station, “D.C.’s number one rock station,” and holds an actual chili cooking contest benefitting the National Kidney Foundation, according to D.C. 101’s website.
In fact, the winner of the chili contest is determined by whoever raises the most money in donations for the NKF.
Aside from the chili, many people come for the music, and this year the line-up consisted of the bands Twin Atlantic, Civil Twilight, Neon Trees, Awolnation, The Airborne Toxic Event, and headliners Cake and Incubus. Angels and Airwaves had to withdrawal from the event due to an illness.
University of Maryland alumni Aaron Feierstein, 23, attended the event. He said the reason he came was because, “I like the bands, specifically Awolnation, and I heard about it on the radio.”
While the bands preform, people walk from tent to tent sampling chili recipes of all kinds and grabbing free merchandise from various companies like Monster and Pizza Bolis.
Each chili tent had its own unique style and name to go with their chili. Some of the names included “The Chuck Norris Chili,” “Rage Against the Cuisine,” and “The Redneck Chili.” There was even a University of Maryland themed tent.
Senior biology major, Sarah Voelkel, 22, enjoyed the chili tasting the most. “I didn’t know the chili was going to be that good until I got here, and that ended up being the best part,” Voelkel said.