The Mount Vernon Chili Cook-off will be returning Saturday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 6:45 p.m., in Uptown Mount Vernon.
The chili cookoff is open to the public. The event features up to 25 chili-cooking teams vying for a total of $600 in cash prizes including prizes for Best Traditional Chili and Best Non-Traditional Chili, as well as a cash prize for People’s Choice.
The cooking will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the public invited to the tasting portion of the event from 4 to 6:45 p.m. The announcement and awarding of prizes will take place at or about 6:45 p.m. Chili samples in biodegradable cups are available for a 25-sample “passport” card for $20.
Beer, soda and water are available for purchase, as are grilled cheese and grilled peanut butter sandwiches. Admission to the event is free.
Also scheduled is a Bags Tournament starting at 2 p.m. Those interested in signing up for the bags tournament are asked to contact Aaron Truitt at [email protected] or sign up at the event.
“This event has been growing every year since its inception,” said event chair Sue Margheim. “This year we offer two categories plus the return of the People’s Choice. This is always a great way to try chili, support a local non-profit and socialize with friends and family.”
More information is available at www.visitmvl.com.
Ribbon cutting
for sculpture trailJust ahead of the start of tasting chili, Mount Vernon Area Arts Council invites the public to come down the hill to the new sculpture art trail for a ribbon cutting, planned to begin at 4 p.m.
“We’re hoping folks will participate in both events which are just a block apart,” said MVAAC President Marie DeVries. “The unveiling program will be short and sweet. Council member Scott Rose will speak on behalf of the City and help cut the ribbon,then encourage people to try the chili uptown.”
Hatched over two years ago, the Mount Vernon Sculpture Trail idea was presented to the Mount Vernon City Council last fall. In response, the Council pledged $10,000 to the project. Together with $5,000 contributed by MVAAC, and $1,000 from local residents, four sculptures were purchased and installed in August. “Girl & Hawk” is by Joe Norman, Loveland, Colo., and the three piece “Dance Diversity” is by Gail Chavenelle, Dubuque.
“MVAAC and the City are viewing this as a four-year program with the hope that one or more sculptures can be installed annually,” says DeVries. “The number of pieces will depend on funding.” In addition to donations, the trail committee is seeking grants and foundation funds.
Mount Vernn Chili Cook-Off next Saturday
October 5, 2023