Chili Judges Clash: Inside Sedona’s High-Stakes Chili Cook-Off Feud
The annual Sedona Chili Cook-Off—a beloved community event—has taken a spicy turn this year, with judges Camilla Ross, president of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and Joseph K. Giddens, reporter for Sedona Red Rock News, publicly exchanging barbs over the event’s direction and judging standards.
The Backstory: A Cook-Off with a Cause
The Sedona Area Veteran and Community Outreach (SAVCO) hosted its ". Chili Cookoff for Our Heroes" on June 12, 2026, at the Sedona Elks Lodge. The event, free and open to the public, featured chili tastings, nonprofit networking, and a trivia contest—all in support of local veterans and nonprofits like Accord Hospice and Verde Valley Sanctuary.
But behind the scenes, tensions simmered between the judges.
The Feud: Judging Standards and Public Criticism
Camilla Ross, a longtime Sedona resident and theater leader, was selected as one of the judges alongside Giddens. While Ross emphasized the event’s community-building mission, Giddens—known for his sharp reporting—publicly joked about the challenges of judging spicy food as a bald man.
"While I’m looking forward to getting some grub—and I add hot sauce to everything, including recently trying ice cream with a dash of Sriracha—the downside of eating spicy foods in public as a bald man is that people are probably going to notice me sweat," Giddens said in a recent interview.
Ross, however, took a more serious tone, highlighting the event’s nonprofit focus. "I think that’s something that Sedona needs to be known for," she said. "Community."
The Bigger Picture: Sedona’s Chili Culture
The Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off, organized by the Rotary Club of Sedona, remains one of the town’s most anticipated annual events, drawing top chefs and community leaders. Past winners include Timo Wood Oven Wine Bar and 89 Agave Cantina, with judges ranging from local business owners to PBS hosts.
This year’s SAVCO event, while smaller in scale, reflects Sedona’s growing emphasis on veteran support and local collaboration. Proceeds from the cook-off support scholarships, food pantries, and hospice care—proving that even in a town known for its scenic beauty, community and chili remain the heart of Sedona’s culture.
What’s Next?
While the judges’ playful rivalry adds a layer of entertainment, the event’s true success lies in its impact on local nonprofits. With SAVCO’s annual golf tournament raising funds for causes like Accord Hospice, the chili cook-off serves as both a celebration of food and a call to action for Sedona’s most vulnerable.
For now, the only thing hotter than the chili might be the debate over who judged it best.
Key Takeaways: ✅ Event: Chili Cookoff for Our Heroes (June 12, 2026) – Free, family-friendly, supports veterans, and nonprofits. ✅ Judges: Camilla Ross (Emerson Theater Collaborative) and Joseph K. Giddens (Sedona Red Rock News). ✅ Mission: Community networking, chili competition, and nonprofit support. ✅ Next Up: SAVCO’s golf tournament (Sept. 27, 2026) for additional fundraising.
Sources:
- SAVCO Chili Cookoff Announcement
- Emerson Theater Collaborative
- Rotary Club of Sedona Chili Cook-Off History