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Checotah Today
By the People, for the People
Checotah Chili Cook-Off Celebrates 18 Years of Community Spirit
Annual event hosted by Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery draws crowds for patriotic food competition and fundraising auctions.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:07am
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The 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery, was a celebration of American pride and community spirit. The event featured a heated chili competition with 22 local chefs, a silent auction, and a lively live auction that included items like a framed newspaper from Carrie Underwood's American Idol win and a leather-bound copy of the U.S. Constitution. The reigning champion, Richard Millsap, took home the top prize with his secret chili recipe, while the event overall raised funds for the museum through the various auctions and raffles.
Why it matters
The Checotah Chili Cook-Off is a long-standing tradition that brings the community together around food, patriotism, and fundraising for the local Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery. In a time when small-town events and community spirit can be hard to come by, this annual cook-off demonstrates the enduring pride and camaraderie of Checotah residents.
The details
The chili competition featured 22 local chefs vying for the top prize, with Richard Millsap taking first place for the sixth time in seven years with his secret recipe. Other winners included Jaxon's Journey in second place and the City of Checotah in third. The event also included a silent auction and a lively live auction that featured items like a framed newspaper from Carrie Underwood's American Idol win and a leather-bound copy of the U.S. Constitution that was purchased by a retired U.S. Army sergeant.
- The 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
- Richard Millsap has won the chili competition six times in the last seven years.
The players
Richard Millsap
The reigning champion of the Checotah Chili Cook-Off, having won the competition six times in the last seven years with his secret chili recipe.
Jaxon Coleman
The second-place finisher in the chili competition with his 'Jaxon's Journey' entry.
City of Checotah
The third-place finisher in the chili competition.
Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery
The host organization of the annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off, a community event that raises funds for the museum.
Kurtis Pratt
A retired U.S. Army sergeant who won the auction for a leather-bound copy of the U.S. Constitution, which he plans to have signed and then donate to the White House.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
The Checotah Chili Cook-Off is a testament to the enduring community spirit and patriotism of this small Oklahoma town. By bringing together residents, local leaders, and even a retired U.S. Army sergeant around food, auctions, and American pride, the event demonstrates the power of grassroots community events to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
