MHK Chili Showdown
Building Community. Supporting Non-Profits. One Bowl at a Time.
Saturday, November 2nd
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sink Gordon & Rockin K's, 1960 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS
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Welcome to Manhattan's Hottest Community Event!
Get ready to spice up your Saturday at the 7th Annual MHK Chili Cook-Off presented by Sink Gordon & Associates! This isn't just another food festival – it's Manhattan's premier community celebration that brings together families, food lovers, and local businesses for an unforgettable day of flavor, fun, and fellowship.
What makes this event truly special? Every single dollar raised goes directly to supporting our local non-profits, making each bowl of chili a contribution to our community's future. Join hundreds of your neighbors for a day that perfectly blends delicious competition with meaningful giving.
Taste, Vote, and Make a Difference
25+ Chili Recipes
Sample incredible creations from local businesses, community teams, and passionate home cooks. From mild and smoky to blazing hot, there's a perfect bowl waiting for every palate.
People's Champion
Your taste buds are the judges! Cast your vote for the chili that wins your heart and crown this year's People's Champion. Every vote counts in this delicious democracy.
100% for Charity
Every ticket sold and every dollar raised goes directly to Manhattan's local non-profits. You're not just enjoying great food – you're investing in your community's future.
Game Day Excitement Meets Chili Competition
What's better than sampling amazing chili? Doing it while cheering on the Kansas State Wildcats! Watch the K-State vs. Houston game on our massive 15-foot Jumbotron while you taste your way through Manhattan's finest chili creations.
The energy is electric as families gather around picnic tables, friends debate the merits of different recipes, and the entire community comes together to support both our Wildcats and our local causes. It's the perfect combination of sports excitement and community spirit that makes this event uniquely Manhattan.
Fun for the Whole Family
Kids' Paradise
Inflatables, face painting, and free kids' meals ensure the little ones have just as much fun as the adults. No ticket required for children's activities!
Eating Contest
Think you can handle the heat? Test your limits in our famous Cinnamon Roll Eating Contest – a sweet challenge that's become a crowd favorite!
Beer Garden
Cool down from all that chili with craft beverages in our Beer Garden, sponsored by Rockin K's. The perfect complement to spicy food!
Live Entertainment All Day Long
From the moment gates open at 11 AM until the final chili is judged at 4 PM, our stage will be alive with local talent, live music, and entertaining performances. Whether you're taking a break from chili tasting or waiting for the next football play, there's always something exciting happening.
Our entertainment lineup features the best of Manhattan's local artists, creating an atmosphere that's part county fair, part block party, and completely unforgettable. Dance, laugh, and celebrate with your neighbors while supporting the causes that make our community stronger.
Our Impact Speaks Volumes
$16K
Raised in 2023
Distributed to 34 local non-profits
$84K
First 5 Years
Supporting Manhattan's community organizations
100%
Goes to Charity
Every dollar raised supports local causes
Transparency and Community Trust
We believe in complete transparency when it comes to our community impact. That's why we're proud to share that 100% of proceeds from the MHK Chili Showdown go directly to Manhattan's local non-profit organizations – no administrative fees, no overhead costs, just pure community support.
"This event represents the very best of Manhattan's community spirit. When local businesses, families, and organizations come together like this, amazing things happen. We're not just tasting chili – we're building a stronger, more connected community that takes care of its own."
– Event Organizers, Sink Gordon & Associates
Our commitment to transparency means detailed reporting on fund distribution, public recognition of recipient organizations, and ongoing communication about the real impact your participation creates in our community.
Sponsor the Showdown
Partner with Manhattan's premier community event and showcase your business to hundreds of local families while supporting meaningful causes.
Premium Sponsorship Opportunities
Title Sponsor – $5,000
Maximum visibility with commercial features, "Brought to you by [Your Business]" branding, stage banner placement, complete team entry access, social media spotlights, plus 8 drink tickets and 4 chili tasting tickets.
Stage Sponsor – $3,500
Prime positioning with commercial appearances, prominent stage banner, team entry in 4 of 5 categories, social media features, MC announcements, 6 drink tickets, and 4 tasting tickets.
Jumbotron Sponsor – $2,500
Featured on our massive 15-foot screen with commercial spots, Jumbotron banner display, team entry in 4 categories, social media promotion, MC mentions, 6 drink tickets, and 4 tasting tickets.
Community-Focused Sponsorship Tiers
Charity Sponsor – $2,000
Special recognition during charity giveaway announcements, commercial features, team entry in 4 of 5 categories, extensive social media promotion, 5 drink tickets, and 4 tasting tickets.
Family Fun Sponsor – $1,500
Prominent banner placement at all family activities, targeted social media features highlighting your support for children's programming, plus 4 chili tasting tickets.
Pepper Eating Sponsor – $750
Contest announced as "Brought to you by [Your Business]," social media features, event-day announcements, 4 drink tickets, and 2 tasting tickets.
Business Partnership Levels
Tier 1 Sponsor – $1,000
Branded signage throughout the event, logo placement on official event t-shirts, team entry in 3 of 5 competition categories, social media recognition, 6 drink tickets, and 4 tasting tickets.
Tier 2 Sponsor – $750
Logo featured on event t-shirts, team entry in 2 competition categories, social media shout-outs, 4 drink tickets, and 2 chili tasting tickets.
Tier 3 Sponsor – $500
Business name prominently displayed on official event t-shirts, team entry in 1 competition category, 2 drink tickets, and 2 tasting tickets.
Why Sponsor the MHK Chili Showdown?
Community Connection
Connect your brand with Manhattan's most beloved community event, reaching hundreds of local families in a positive, festive environment. Your sponsorship demonstrates genuine commitment to local causes and community building.
Marketing Value
Gain exposure through multiple channels: social media campaigns, event-day announcements, branded merchandise, and year-round recognition. Your investment provides ongoing marketing value that extends far beyond event day.
Meaningful Impact
Your sponsorship directly supports local non-profits, creating measurable positive impact in Manhattan. You're not just advertising – you're investing in the community's future and demonstrating corporate social responsibility.
Join Manhattan's Spiciest Tradition
Seven years ago, we started with a simple idea: bring the community together over great food while supporting local causes. Today, the MHK Chili Showdown has become Manhattan's most anticipated annual tradition, proving that the best events happen when businesses, families, and organizations unite around shared values.
Whether you're a longtime resident or new to Manhattan, whether you prefer mild or extra hot, whether you're here for the chili or the football game – you belong at this celebration. Come hungry, leave happy, and know that your participation is making a real difference in the lives of your neighbors.
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a day of flavor, fun, and community spirit that embodies everything great about Manhattan, Kansas.
See You November 2nd!
Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sink Gordon & Rockin K's, 1960 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS
Building Community. Supporting Non-Profits. One Bowl at a Time.