Lexington, KY, February 1, 2026
The Lexington community came together at Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson for the 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off, which supports U.S. service members deployed overseas. With participants entering chili recipes and attendees sampling the offerings, the event raised funds for Military Missions, a nonprofit that sends care packages to military personnel. Despite frigid temperatures, the community displayed its commitment to supporting those who serve the nation.
Lexington, KY – Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson Hosts 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off Supporting Deployed U.S. Service Members
Bringing the Community Together for a Noble Cause
Lexington, Kentucky – On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the local community gathered at Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson for the highly anticipated 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off. This spirited event aimed to support U.S. service members currently deployed overseas, with all proceeds benefiting Military Missions, a dedicated nonprofit organization that sends care packages to military personnel.
Hosted at the dealership located on Bryant Road, the cook-off attracted participants and guests alike, all united by a shared purpose of giving back to those who serve our nation. Over two hours, attendees enjoyed tastes of various chili recipes prepared by local competitors who each paid a nominal entry fee. The event beautifully showcased Lexington’s commitment to civic engagement and community support amidst the cold Kentucky winter.
Event Overview
The chili cook-off took place from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering participants a chance to compete in a friendly culinary battle while contributing to an important cause. Each contestant paid a $10 entry fee, while attendees donated $5 for a tasting bowl to sample all entries and vote for their favorites. The collaborative effort of the community was evident, with the proceeds directly aiding the valiant work of Military Missions.
Supporting Our Heroes
Military Missions plays a significant role in providing well-deserved care packages to service members. Their packages contain items such as snacks, hygiene products, and personal letters of support, contributing toward the morale and well-being of active-duty military personnel deployed around the globe. By emphasizing the local nonprofit in such events, the community fosters a spirit of generosity and gratitude for those who often sacrifice their comfort for the security of the nation.
Harley-Davidson’s Role in the Community
As a leading dealership in Lexington, Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson has positioned itself as a community partner by hosting numerous events and supporting local charities. Their involvement with the Man O’War Chapter H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) reinforces civic pride. The chapter is dedicated to creating enjoyable experiences for Harley enthusiasts, fostering a culture of camaraderie while also rallying behind charitable causes.
Weathering the Elements for a Good Cause
The commitment of attendees was evident on the day of the event, as Lexington suffered from sub-zero temperatures that reached as low as -11.9°C (10.6°F). Despite the unpleasant cold, participants showed resilience and dedication, participating wholeheartedly to support their fellow Americans. This displays not only the determination of the local community but also an admirable spirit willing to brave the elements for a worthy cause.
Conclusion: Engaging in Local Events
Events like the 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off not only bring the Lexington community together but also highlight the importance of personal initiative and limited bureaucracy in facilitating charitable activities. By supporting local initiatives, residents can significantly impact the lives of deployed service members and their families. As the community continues to build strong connections through events, it’s essential to remain engaged and recognize the power of collective action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off?
- The event aims to support deployed U.S. service members by raising funds for Military Missions, a local nonprofit that sends care packages to military personnel overseas.
- How can I participate in the chili cook-off?
- Participants can enter the competition by paying a $10 entry fee. Attendees can taste and vote for their favorite chili with a $5 donation, which includes a tasting bowl.
- Where is Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson located?
- The dealership is located at 2073 Bryant Road, Lexington, KY 40509.
- What is Military Missions?
- Military Missions is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to sending care packages to soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen deployed overseas. Each package contains snacks, hygiene products, socks, entertainment items, and personal letters of support.
- What is the Man O’War Chapter H.O.G.?
- The Man O’War Chapter H.O.G. is a group of Harley enthusiasts sponsored by Man O’War Harley-Davidson. The chapter meets regularly, plans rides, and supports various organizations to raise money for worthy causes.
| Event | Date | Location | Entry Fee | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off | January 31, 2026 | Man O’War’s Harley-Davidson, 2073 Bryant Road, Lexington, KY 40509 | $10 entry fee for participants; $5 donation for attendees | Military Missions |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
