The Conejo Valley Days Chili Cook-Off has become a Conejo Valley Days tradition, being held every year since 1977. Started by the Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser, it has been held at numerous sites throughout Thousand Oaks. In 1981, it was held at the Janss Mall, which proved to be the most popular location, drawing large crowds and forcing the Chamber to seek a service club to help with manpower. The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks stepped forward with more than 60 members volunteering to help with traffic control and beverage sales.

In 1983, the Conejo Valley Days Chili Cook-Off moved to its present location at the Conejo Valley Days festival site and takes place the Sunday before the festival opening - a time and place that has become fixed in the annual CVD schedule. Sponsorship of the event was officially taken over by Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks and today, more than 170 volunteers coordinate and work at the event. The Conejo Valley Days Chili-Cook-Off now attracts more than 18,000 visitors each year.

Chili Cook-Off visitors have the opportunity to taste more than 75 different types of chili during "cooking time." In fact, visitors "vote" to determine the winners of the "People's Choice" chili championships. A group of local judges determines the winners of the "Best Booth" and "Showmanship" contests. The main chili judging is performed by a panel of International Chili Society members/cooks along with local dignitaries, some of whom have served on the panel for years. However, the day does not revolve around chili alone. Local service clubs offer other food choices and there are hands-on exhibits by the Fire Department, DARE and the Marine Corps. Entertainment is featured throughout the day, both on the stage and at individual cooks' booths. In addition, the Whiskeroo Contest is held during the day.

Since the Conejo Valley Days Chili Cook-Off is now a regional event on the International Chili Society tour, the winner advances directly to the World Championships to compete against the best - to make their mark on the world of championship chili.

For more information, please visit the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks' website.