Whiskey Runners Chili Cook Off: A Roaring Success in 2025!
The dust has settled, the chili pots are empty, and the echoes of revving engines and live music have faded into the Arizona sunset. On February 22nd, 2025, the Whiskey Runners hosted our Annual Chili Cook Off at A.J.’s CO-OP Grill in Arlington, Arizona, and what a day it was! This year’s event exceeded all expectations, drawing a crowd of over 400 attendees and marking the debut of our First Annual Motorcycle Poker Run with an impressive 70 riders joining the ride to the cook-off. From the spicy aroma of simmering chili to the camaraderie of riders and revelers alike, it was a day to remember and one that will fuel our mission for months to come.
The heart of the event was, of course, the Chili Cook Off itself. Our talented contestants brought their A-game, filling the air with the tantalizing scents of secret recipes and bold flavors. Attendees sampled their way through the competition, casting votes for their favorites while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the chili, our vendors added flair with their unique offerings, keeping the crowd buzzing with excitement. let’s not forget the soundtrack to it all provided Mary Jane’s Rocket who took the stage and rocked the house, delivering a high-energy performance that had everyone tapping their boots and swaying to the beat.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our community. A huge thank you goes out to every single chili contestant who stirred up magic in their pots, to our vendors who brought their goods and their smiles, and to the patrons who showed up in droves to make this event a success. The riders who joined our inaugural Motorcycle Poker Run deserve a special shout-out, thank you for your enthusiasm set the tone for an unforgettable day.
Most of all, we owe a mountain of gratitude to our hostess, A.J., and her stellar staff at A.J.’s CO-OP Grill. Their hospitality, hard work, and knack for keeping the good times rolling made this event one heck of a party. Thank you, A.J., for opening your doors and your heart to the Whiskey Runners family!
So, what’s all this fun and festivity for? The funds raised at the Chili Cook Off are already hard at work, powering our mission to give back to the next generation. This year, we’re proud to support scholarships for high school seniors pursuing trade education—helping them build skills and futures in fields like construction, mechanics, and more. We’re also thrilled to contribute to Tonopah Valley High School’s Skill Clubs and Classes, including Robotics, Construction, Graphic Arts, and Early Childhood Development. These programs are shaping young minds and hands, and we’re honored to play a part in their growth.
But the giving doesn’t stop there. The money raised will also fund a special day of community service later this year, where we’ll roll up our sleeves and give back to the place we call home.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Whiskey Runners Auxiliary is proud to present our first-ever Whiskey Runners Wacky Water Day, a free event for all local kids! Expect a splashing good time with water games, laughter, and plenty of fun under the sun. This is our way of saying thank you to the families who make our community so special, and we can’t wait to see the kids’ faces light up. Final details will be announced in the coming days, so keep an eye out for updates—we promise it’ll be a blast!
As we reflect on the Chili Cook Off and look ahead to Wacky Water Day, we’re reminded of what makes the Whiskey Runners more than just a club—it’s a family. Whether we’re riding the open road, touring the desert around Tonopah and Arlington, savoring a bowl of chili, or splashing around with the kids, we’re building memories and making a difference, one event at a time. Here’s to the first quarter of 2025 and all the adventures still to come.
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