Rock Falls police, fire departments to throw down at annual chili cook-off Feb. 1

ROCK FALLS – The Rock Falls fire and police departments will square off Saturday, Feb. 1, to see who can whip up the best bowl of chili at the second annual Battle of the Badges Chili Cookoff.

The competition will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 321 W. Second St. in Rock Falls. The event pits will feature two teams with five contestants each who will submit a crockpot of chili for a total of 10 different chilis.

The cook-off is open to the public, and spectators can pay $10 to taste as much chili as they want before casting a vote. A cash bar will be available, and kids ages 10 and younger get in for free.

All proceeds will go to the departments' unions to support local youth organizations and community events.

Rock Falls Fire Chief Ken Wolf said firefighter Brian McPhillips took the trophy last year.

“We don’t intend on losing, so that trophy is going to stay here,” Wolf said.