Around The Cracker Barrel - 15th Annual Amado Chili Cookoff and Car and Motorcycle Show (Aired 03/06/2026)

On this episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomes Ed Dunin-Wasowicz, chair of the 15th Annual Amado Chili Cook-Off, to talk about the popular Southern Arizona event and the important cause behind it. The cook-off, taking place in Amado off I-19 at the Arivaca exit, brings together chili cooks, classic cars, vendors, and live music for a full day of community fun—all while raising money for the Amado Youth Center.Dunin-Wasowicz explains that the primary purpose of the event is to support programs that help young people in the rural Amado community. The Amado Youth Center offers after-school activities, leadership workshops, drug prevention education, career exposure programs, and safe recreational opportunities for kids who might otherwise have limited resources in the area. The center serves dozens of youth each week, providing a positive environment where they can learn life skills, build confidence, and explore future opportunities.The event itself is expected to draw more than 2,000 visitors and features a wide range of attractions including chili tastings from cooks across Southern Arizona, a classic car and motorcycle show with more than 100 entries, dozens of craft and food vendors, and live entertainment throughout the day. Guests can stroll vendor avenues, sample chili entries, enjoy live music, and take part in raffles and a silent auction—all benefiting youth programs.Throughout the conversation, Dunin-Wasowicz highlights the strong community support that makes the event possible, from volunteers and sponsors to the youth themselves who help run parts of the festival. The Amado Chili Cook-Off has become a beloved regional event that blends great food, music, and family fun with a meaningful mission: helping local kids build brighter futures.