Chili for Children postpones 2025 event, with plans to return in 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The annual Chili for Children will skip 2025 with plans to be more modernized and efficient for their 2026 return. The event is scheduled for February 1, 2026.

“This is kind of a rebuilding, if you will,” said Sabrina Lynn, station manager for the Radio People. “It needs to be brought into the future, with registration links and even electronic pay. I want people to be able to electronically pay at the gate versus everybody having to bring cash. Nobody carries cash anymore.”

Lynn also raised the security concerns that come with a cash only event and making sure that the money is secured safely.

“In the past, we’ve had to do hourly cash drops, and then I’ve got to be on top of making sure my eyeballs stay on those envelopes,” Lynn said. “We just need to move it into the future.”

Lynn said that the decision to skip 2025 was finally cemented in September of this year after speaking with Bally’s Casino and starting with the ‘basics’.

“That’s when we always lock down the basics that never change, like the beverages, inflatables, and things like that, because it’s the same folks that have been generous enough to do it year after year,” Lynn said. “Those are the quick phone calls, and when we started doing that, that’s when I started thinking about the extra stuff, the other stuff.”

Lynn said that while bringing the event “into the 21st century” is the right thing to do, she also needs help with the event.

“One of the biggest reasons why, is I’ve got to have some help. I’ve got to have some community involvement,” said Lynn. “I need a small group that could help me lead some smaller committees: volunteer coordination, door prizes, children’s games, and others as the future comes.”

The next Chili for Children will also be the first without Chris Burks, River 101‘s morning DJ, who passed away earlier this year. Burks was known for his involvement with numerous children’s charity events over the years, dressing up as Santa, as well as putting on an annual Toy Show.

“Burks was the face of the event. He loved his charity work for kids.” said Lynn. “I still miss him everyday.”

Burks will be honored at the 2026 event, as well as being the inspiration for the theme: the 1980’s.

Below is a Vicksburg Daily News live covering last year’s event featuring Chris Burks.