On the first Sunday of June (June 7, 2026) Rough and Ready will gather to celebrate Secession Days with a special Chili Cook-off...a fundraising event for local organizations.
The day begins at 8:30 with a FREE Firefighter's Breakfast in the Fire House (Donations greatly appreciated!). Meanwhile, Chili Chefs from around the area begin cooking their special concoctions. Formerly a sanctioned event, the town decided in 2004 to "secede" from the International Chili Society and do it Rough and Ready Style, with Rough and Ready Rules! Guests can purchase $5 Tasting Kits at 9am and begin tasting at noon, voting for their favorite chili along with the judges.
There will be a Raffle onging throughout the day with over $2700 in gift certificates and gift cards from vendors in the area.
Music will be provided by THE POTLUCK Band, Ben and Gabby and Rough and Ready to Rock. Refreshments from Rough and Ready Grange #795, and Coco's Lazy Dog Ice Cream. Gold Panning will keep the kids entertained...and Hal Davis will fire up the forge in the old Fippin Blacksmith Shop. Shop for souvenirs at the Chamber of Commerce booth, and a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and other merchandise. Fun for the whole family! Chamber of Commerce will also be serving some local Beers.
Want to join us as a Chili Chef? As a Vendor? Or just as a fun-loving Visitor? Click on the links!
PHOTOS ABOVE: Scenes from past Secession Day Chili Cook-offs
Secession Days Chili Cook-off
Past Cook-Off Winners
The community of Rough and Ready observed Secession Day on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 with a hugely successful Chili Cook-off, held under a pleasantly warm sun.
Hundreds of townfolk and visitors enjoyed the chili from nine Chili Cookers. When the sampling and judging was done, it was Bigfoot Beans who took the First Place honors and a $600 cash prize. Second Place and $300 went to Fire In The Hole from Howard Morgado and Bigfoot Beans.
The annual event, a fundraiser for the local Chamber of Commerce, Fire Dept and Grange, was a welcome chance for area people to reconnect and enjoy the fun history of the community. The organizers would like to offer special thanks to musical headliners PK and Pray Band and Rough and Ready to Rock.
ABOVE LEFT : Howard and Diana Morgado of BigFoot Beans, 1st Place winner ($600) and Peoples' Choice Winner ($300) with Niall King ABOVE RIGHT: Larry Smith and Partner of Fire in the Hole, 2nd Place winner ($300) with Niall King.
