The “XX & Last Chili Cookoff” is a long-standing Southwest tradition! The “First & Last” Chili Cookoff was originally held in the early years when we thought our days as a Company were numbered. After our first profitable quarter at the end of 1973, the decision was made to have the “… & Last Chili Cookoff” name stick as a tribute to our ability to have fun throughout our uncertain early years. Learn more about the history of this event here.
Teams will take part in a fierce, but friendly competition in three categories: Chef’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Showmanship.
Chef’s Choice: Each Team will identify one Chef to judge their chili cooking peers. Each chef judge will blindly taste all samples, rating each chili sample on a scale of 1-5 with five being the best. Scores will be cumulatively added together, and the sample with the highest three scores will win.
People’s Choice: At 10:00 a.m., voting will begin by Chili Cookoff attendees. Each attendee will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite chili using their phone. All entries for the People’s Choice Award must be from people attending the Cookoff! The three Teams with the highest number of votes will win.
Showmanship: Showmanship is where Teams come up with a theme and decide how to showcase it. Competitors can dress up and/or decorate their booth according to their theme. Similar to People’s Choice, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Team using their phone. The three Teams with the highest number of votes will win.
All Employees, Contractors, and Retirees—plus up to four guests each—are invited to attend this family-friendly event. If your immediate family (spouse/partner + dependents) requires more spots than the four allotted guests, please email SWACulture@wnco.com.
If you are a Retiree who has not registered for a previous Southwest event on this site, please email your Retiree number to SWACulture@wnco.com to have your information added so that you may register yourself.
Please note that no pets will be allowed in Southfork Ranch. Service Animals and/or Emotional Support Animals are permitted.
Each primary registrant may bring up to four guests. If your immediate family (spouse/partner + dependents) requires more spots than the four allotted guests, please email SWACulture@wnco.com or have a Coheart who won't be bringing four guests add additional guests on your behalf during registration.
Once you register for the event online, you will receive a confirmation at the email address you provided. Please look over your RSVP information and log back in to modify, if needed.
To add a guest, simply click the "Add a Guest" button.
To update the name of your guest(s), click the "Actions" drop down menu and select "Begin." Be sure to save your work by clicking the "Confirm Your Registration" button on the "Review Registration" page.
If you no longer plan on bringing a guest, you will need to cancel them completely. Click the "Actions" drop-down menu and select "Cancel Registrant." Again, be sure to save your work by clicking the "Confirm Your Registration" button at the bottom of the page.
Canceling your registration ahead of time will help us get the most accurate count of attendees and keep our costs low! To cancel your registration, log in to modify your record. Click "Actions" next to the registrant's name, and choose "Cancel Registrant" from the drop-down menu. Note that if you've registered a guest, you'll have to delete them prior to deleting yourself.
Southfork Ranch is located at 3700 Hogge Dr, Parker, TX. Plenty of parking is available, and attendants will help you find a spot—don’t forget to show your Employee ID to the parking attendant!
After parking, make your way to check-in to join the fun. If bingo is your thing, you can purchase a bingo card (cash only), or if you’re curious about the Southfork Mansion, enjoy a free tour of this Dallas landmark. There will be plenty of fun, family-friendly activities for everyone. Check the included map to guide you around!
This event is free to attend, and chili tastings are on us! If you’d like more to eat, extra food will be available for purchase onsite. If you plan to play Bingo, be sure to bring cash to purchase your Bingo card.
What to Bring for Parking & Check-In
Emailed barcode: You’ll receive an email before the event with a barcode for you and your guest(s), which will be scanned at check-in.
Government-issued ID: Required if you plan to partake in alcoholic beverages.
Entrance to the 52nd & Last Chili Cookoff is free! There will be additional food available for purchase onsite, and those who are interested in participating in Bingo. Please note that Bingo card sales are cash only.
Transportation (air and ground), hotel stays, and other accommodations are the attendee’s responsibility to cover.
Chili will obviously be the main dish, but other concessions will be available to purchase from the venue (pizza, nachos, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese sandwiches). There will be a large variety of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available—outside beverages are not permitted.
There will be other fun activities and games—both indoor and outside—for all ages. This includes bingo, live music, face painting, a petting zoo, and bounce houses!
Bingo will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Those who are interested in participating can purchase Bingo cards beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please note that Bingo card sales are cash only.
To support fellow Employees during times of hardship, bingo proceeds will be donated to theCoheart Relief Fund.
Please note that this is a high-sensory event with lights, noise, and a crowded environment. If, based on a documented medical condition, you would like to request any accommodation(s) during this event, please submit a request to the Southwest Airlines Accommodations Team via Workday. After reviewing your request, the Accommodations Team will advise all parties accordingly.
