Organizers at The Almanor Foundation have announced the Chilly Chili Cook-off at Chester Park, Feb. 15, from noon to 3 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Chester ice skating rink.
Activities include the locally-famous Singing Dentist Jeff Benedictson, live music and libations. In addition to chili, festival-goers can sample hot dogs prepared by Chester High School’s Class of 2025 and s’mores from Lake Almanor Christian School. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Teams of two or more cooks compete in the categories of People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and Chili Showmanship. Business, organization or family teams may register online.
A panel of local community members will blind-taste entrants’ chili for aroma, consistency, color and taste. Public tasters will vote for the People’s Choice winner. The showmanship award goes to the team that provides the best-decorated booth, including costumes, presentation or entertainment.
The foundation supplies a table, taster kits, trash bags and electrical outlets for booth lights or music. There are a limited number of awnings available.
Each team entered in the cook-off prepares five gallons of chili to serve the public and the judges. Teams may pre-cook their chili and reheat it or do their prep work at home and assemble the chili at the festival. They may begin arriving one to two hours early to be ready to serve at noon. Teams need to supply the following items:
- Paper towels or dish towels
- Water for drinking/cooking
- Hand sanitizer
- Utensils
- Cooking source, such as Coleman stove; the limited electrical power supply can’t meet cooking demands
Teams may register online. There is a $20 entry fee.
For festival ticket or more information, visit the Almanor Foundation website.
Information provided by The Almanor Foundation
