Weather conditions have conspired to inspire people to cook things like a big hearty pot of chili, just in time for a chance to compete at doing just that – in Gadsden’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-off.
Pots will be bubbling on Feb. 1, as competitive chili cooks line up in front of the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts.
The deadline to enter the contest is Jan. 27, and the cost to register is $40. The entry fee includes two t-shirts, and more may be purchased for $5.
First, second and third place winners get cash prizes and a crowd favorite will be named as well.
For those who want to consume chili rather than compete with their own version of it, taste tickets will be $1 each, or six for $5.
Guidelines for entrants are:
Participants may arrive and begin cooking as early as 7 a.m.
Chili must be ready to serve at approximately 12 p.m.
Cooking must be done on-site (but your ingredients, i.e. onions, peppers, etc. may be prepared off-site)
Participants should bring their own butane or cooking burners.
Each participant will be provided with one 8 ft. table and 2 chairs, tasting cups, napkins and spoons. There is limited electricity, therefore electrical outlets will only be provided for appliances that you need in order to help prepare you chili.
For more information call Downtown Gadsden, Inc. at 256-547-8696. Registration forms can be picked up at the Downtown Gadsden, Inc. office at 635 Broad Street.