Rotary cookoff celebrates culture, community, and global flavors
An international food festival returns to Holland, uniting Rotary clubs, minority-owned restaurants, and communities through culture, service, and shared meals.
A reinvented fundraiser has evolved into a growing cultural community event.
What once was a traditional chili cookoff has morphed into the Great Rotary International Cookoff, which returns to the Midtown Center in Holland on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.
The event is a collaboration among the Holland After Hours Rotary Club, Lakeshore United Rotaract Club, and Holland Noon Rotary Club, uniting volunteers from across the region around food, culture, and service.
The cookoff highlights international cuisine and supports minority-owned businesses.
Organizers designed the event to reflect the cultural diversity that has become an economic and social driver in West Michigan.
“It started as a chili cookoff, and then while we were planning, I wrote an email and suggested that maybe we could showcase Asian culture, since we have so many Asian restaurant owners in our club,” says Charles Elwood, an organizer and president of the Lakeshore United Rotaract Club. “Last year we decided to switch it right away.”
Elwood says the event sold out before it opened its doors – even after organizers twice increased the number of tickets available.
“It was crowded. It was so much fun,” he says. “We had so much food, dancing, art, and culture. It was just beautiful. All the Lao churches and temples showed up.”
Rotarians Yadah Ramirez and Ole Sphabmixay spoke about the event in this interview with WGVU News’ Shelley Irwin.
More cultures involved
Building on that response, organizers expanded the cookoff for 2026 to include a broader range of cuisines and cultural experiences. Participating restaurants include Margarita’s, UpLeaf Café, Caribbean Sunrise, Nadine’s Fish Tips and Wings, Rock ’n Thai Street Eats and Boba, and Taste of Asia, each presenting signature dishes rooted in their cultural traditions.
Attendees will sample dishes, vote for their favorites, enjoy live music and dance performances, and connect with local Rotarians. A silent auction will feature locally crafted items, products, and event packages.
“We cannot underestimate the tremendous economic impact that the various Asian, African, and Central and South American populations have had on contributing to the vitality of the greater Holland and Grand Haven areas,” says Jennifer Pascua, the returning emcee. “The international scope of Rotary demonstrates a strong local commitment to the world, brought home to promote peace and understanding in our local communities.”
Event sponsors include Request Foods, Haworth Helps, Shoreline Orthopaedic, A.D. Bos Vending Services, Omni Precision Components, Gentex, United Bank, and ZFS.
Proceeds from the cookoff support Rotary programs focused on youth leadership, community development, and international service.
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