It was a cold March in 1994, and the crowd was thick at Yuba Pass as they patiently waited to hear the judges decision. With walls of snow around them, the judges made the most important declaration to happen that year, and maybe in their lifetime; J.J. Janzen was the winner of the 1st annual Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off with his concoction titled "Open-Da-Can-Chili".

And the rest is history...

Referred to as "the social event of the year", this year's Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off should be one for the history books (or front page of The Mountain Messenger) and takes place March 5th, 2022 starting at 9am at Yuba Pass Sno-Park Parking lot, right off Highway 49.

Chefs from both the Eastern and Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada come prepared with their chili to wow the judges as best they can which might even include some subtle bribery and definitely alcohol; in the end deciding the reigning chili champ of the Sierra Nevada.

Be sure to come early to see how the judges are swayed and to feast on the bounty of chili available at 6,709 feet elevation. Remember to dress warm and prepare for any weather. The cook-off happens rain, snow, or shine and judging will take place around noon.

Come taste Miles' never before made ostrich chili- we are sure it will be amazing.