Chili for Conservation: Ottawa NWR's Chili Cookoff

Join Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for their Chili for Conservation event on Saturday, February 17th!

Bring a crockpot of your best chili recipe and feel the heat as you compete for one of the coveted awards.

The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. To enter, just bring a crockpot of chili at 12PM to the Visitor Center at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (14000 SR 2, Oak Harbor Ohio 43449).

The judges' tasting will begin at 1pm with public tasting to follow, awards will include: 
- Judges' Choice Golden Ladle Award
- The 4 Alarm Award (hottest chili)
- The Most Unique Award
- The People's Choice Award

Any donations collected during this event will go to help fund projects around the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and support future events and tours that are open to the public. 

On top of the Chili Cookoff, the Ottawa NWR Swan Fest will also be happening from Saturday, February 17th until Sunday, February 18th. This festival celebrates swans with different educational activities, games, and crafts at the Visitor Center, as well as opportunities to view swans along the Wildlife Drive and hiking trails.

The Visitor center will be open for both events 10AM-4PM with different activities planned throughout the day.

We hope you'll join Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for these fun family-friendly events!