Chili Chowder Challenge

Now, the biggest, longest lasting, and most often imitated chili and chowder cookoff in Maine (and we think the best), The Chili Chowder Challenge dates back to 2002, when a group of community supporters of the Children’s Center got together to host something fun for kids and families, that would raise money for the Center’s programs. The first event was called the Children’s Center Chili Chowder Challenge and Cha Cha Cha, but that many “Cs” got overwhelming! The first year it was held, it was a small event, held at the Buker Center in Augusta. That year it raised a modest $2,000, but it set in motion a 10-year history of ever-increasing size and revenue.