On the first Sunday of June (June 1, 2025) Rough and Ready will gather to celebrate Secession Days with a special Chili Cook-off...a fundraising event for local organizations. Previously, the competition was held on the last Sunday in June, but the date was changed for 2019 and beyond.
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 11am and begin tasting at noon, voting for their favorite chili along with the judges.
Music will be provided by Brandon Dannals and The Rough and Ready and The PK and Pray Band. Refreshments from Rough and Ready Grange #795, BullMastiff Brewing and Coco's Lazy Dog Ice Cream. Gold Panning and Bounce House will keep the kids entertained...and Hal Davis will fire up the forge in the old Fippin Blacksmith Shop. Shop for souvenirs and a variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, produce and other merchandise. Fun for the whole family!
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 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, including Patrick & Haley Tracy's Two Idiots Brewing Company Chili, Howard Morgado's Bigfoot Beans, Gary Evan's Hairrazor Chili, Monte Downing's Mondogs Fire Roasted Red Chili, Tiffany & Archie Pearson's 95975 Ways to Chili, Doug Wittler's Old Firehouse Chili, Sean Curtis' Rough and Ready Village People Chili, Jessica Eckman's Rubicon Trail Chili and Tami Farris' Bluemoose Chili. When the sampling and judging was done, it was Monte Downing and his Mondog’s Fire Roasted Chili who, again, took the First Place honors and a $500 cash prize. Second Place and $250 went to Howard Morgado and Bigfoot Beans and The People’s Choice Award from public balloting (along with the $250 prize money) went to Tiffany Pearson and her team for their 95975 Ways to Chili.
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 Brandon Dannals.
ABOVE RIGHT: Monte Downing, Mondog's Team Leader (right) accepts award from Chamber VP Niall King CENTER LEFT: Howard and Diana Morgado with Niall King BOTTOM RIGHT:Archie and Tiffany Pearson receive award from Niall King
