Photo: Chili Judge with Pink Pig Lady
Both organizations are nonprofits that raise funds for charities. Last year, the Behind the Store group donated $20,000 to ALS, $2,000 to Terlingua Fire and MS Dept., and $1,000 to Terlingua School. Combined attendance for the two events was estimated at around 15,000.
“The thing that keeps us on the chili trail is the motto of ‘Chili, Charity, Fun,’” Daniels said. “We love competing and being so excited for the people whose numbers are called—even if it’s not ours! We love being able to donate to charitable organizations. But most of all it’s about the friendship and comradery that we have found with our chili friends.”
Visiting the ghost town of Terlingua at chili cook-off time is like taking a time trip back to earlier times in Texas. Everywhere you look, someone is stirring savory-smelling concoctions in their big cast iron pots. If you’re lucky, they might even give you a taste. Or just a beer. At these campsites, you never meet a stranger. For more information about Terlingua International Chili Championship(s), head over to visitbigbend.com. You’re sure to enjoy your visit to the most fascinating ghost town in all of Texas!
