On Monday, March 2, 2026, community members could stop by Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4:30–7 p.m. for a chili meal. A $10 ticket gets you all-you-can-eat chili, a beverage and a dessert. Brad King, this year’s event chair, noted that the “legacy” of the Chili Chowdown and the Rotary Club is all about supporting the community.
“It’s a 40-year tradition,” he explained. “All proceeds go to student scholarships, so it’s for a good cause and helps the community.”
The Chili Chowdown typically feeds around 500 people. Early in the day on March 2, King said the preparation went well, with a “good team” coming together to prepare the chili for the lunch crowd.
King explained that the Chili Chowdown originated with the late Don Johnson, proprietor of DJ's Bar and Grill, who came up with the “secret recipe” they still use today. The event encourages community members to enjoy a meal together while supporting projects like the annual Christmas tree lighting and scholarships.
Most of the money from the Chili Chowdown will go toward the Student of the Year scholarship that the Rotary Club offers to a lucky Alton High School or Marquette Catholic High School student every year. The Club also sponsors a scholarship through Lewis and Clark Community College.
Beyond this, the Rotary Club helps with Wreaths Across America, rings bells for The Salvation Army, holds an annual veterans concert in November, and assists with Interact Club at Alton High School and Marquette Catholic High School, among other projects. Proceeds from the Chili Chowdown will allow them to continue this work.
King noted that they have sponsorships available for next year’s Chili Chowdown, and they’re always looking for members to join them in their efforts to help the community. The Rotary Club works hard to support community members and improve the Alton-Godfrey region.
“[We’re looking for] somebody that cares about the community and wants to give back and help support scholarships, primarily, and other initiatives that we have around the community,” King added. “If we look back at the legacy support given to the community, there’s a number of initiatives.
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