Trinidad’s Hotdish Competition Returns to Heat Up Main Street

Trinidad will welcome cooks, families and visitors for the city’s 2nd Annual Hotdish Competition on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Commons at Space to Create, 218 W Main St. Organized by Friends of the North Hotdish Connoisseurs in partnership with C R E A T E Trinidad, the family-friendly event aims to spotlight Midwestern-style hotdish and bring foot traffic to downtown shops and restaurants.

Competitors may enter three categories: Traditional Hotdish (layered and baked with at least one canned, frozen or packaged ingredient), Non-Traditional/Creative Hotdish (layered and baked with a twist) and Dessert Hotdish (layered or baked desserts, with Jell-O encouraged). Organizers say prizes will be awarded and an online sign-up form is available for cooks who want to compete. Community members are invited to attend, sample offerings and support local Main Street businesses during the midday event.

Beyond the contest itself, the hotdish competition carries local public health and equity implications. Shared-food events can strengthen social ties and mental well-being in small towns, offering affordable, familiar food and a chance for neighbors to reconnect during winter. At the same time, congregate food events require attention to food safety and accessibility: clear ingredient labeling for allergy management, hot-holding and cooling practices to prevent foodborne illness, seating and rest-room access for older adults, and transportation considerations for residents living beyond Trinidad’s core.

For Las Animas County, events like this are a modest but meaningful economic nudge for downtown vendors and a visible expression of community culture. Drawing visitors into Main Street businesses helps sustain local retail and food service during slower winter months, and the explicit family-friendly framing makes it a point of civic pride. Community groups and organizers who prioritize inclusivity can amplify those benefits by ensuring low barriers to participation for cooks and attendees, including clear entry instructions, accommodations for dietary restrictions and accessible event layouts.

If you plan to enter or attend, check details with CREATE Trinidad or Space to Create for any last-minute updates and the sign-up link for competitors. Pack an appetite, consider food allergies when sampling, and plan travel into downtown ahead of the midday crowd.

Our two cents? Bring your favorite dish or an appetite for nostalgia, but also a mindful approach: ask about ingredients, pace your tastings, and use the event as a chance to support small businesses and neighbors who keep Main Street cooking.