Duane Hicks
With the annual “Great Canadian Chili Cook-Off” coming up in less than two weeks, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking for more teams to sign up.
“We’ve got a few teams that have got their applications in,” organizer Samantha Manty said this morning.
“Then we’ve got a lot of other people who are enquiring and saying they’re interested.
“So hopefully, we’ll get a few more serious entries right away here.
“[The cook-off’s] two weeks away so we’ve got a little bit of time, but it would be nice to get the teams solid and we’d be able to start saying who’s going to be in the cook-off,” Manty added.
The cook-off is slated for Thursday, Oct. 24 at the local Legion, but Manty said the latest teams can sign up is Monday, Oct. 21.
“Ten-12 teams would be the ideal amount,” she noted.
This year’s theme is “Hocus Pocus,” and participants are urged to name their chili in accordance with the magical theme.
Chili teams also are encouraged to dress up, with an award for best costume this year.
“So far, the names [of the teams] we’ve got suit the theme,” said Manty. “But I think people are being pretty secretive about what they’re going to be doing.
“I guess it’s going to be a surprise.
“Hopefully, people will be dressing up and things like that, but I guess people want to keep it under wraps until the day of the cook-off,” she reasoned.
“It’ll be surprise for everybody,” Manty enthused.
“I’m excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Each team is required to make four gallons of chili, with Manty saying the Legion once again has agreed to let teams who need access to a commercial kitchen to prepare their chili using its kitchen the day before.
“There is a few other options as to where people can make their chili, as well,” she added.
Chili has to be ready by 11 a.m. on the day of the cook-off.
The cook-off will run from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.—or until the chili runs out.
Chili will be tasted by a panel of judges, as well as voted on to determine the People’s Choice award.
In addition to being a fun event, Manty said the cook-off is a great opportunity for the community to bolster the Salvation Army’s food bank.
She urged people to bring non-perishable food items to the cook-off, adding that everyone who donates an item will have their name entered in a draw to win a $25 Chamber gift certificate.
“We promised the Times [which started the chili cook-off more than a decade ago] we would continue the food drive when we took over the chili cook-off,” noted Manty.
“And I guess the past couple years, it hasn’t been as popular; hasn’t been bringing in as much,” she said.
“So we’d really like to see the food drive grow.
“Hopefully by having a prize, people will remember to grab something and donate to a good cause,” she reasoned.
Meanwhile, the ever-popular cake roulette will be run by the Robert Moore School Council, with proceeds going to the breakfast program there.
Manty said the event is being well-supported by local businesses, such as Safeway, Fort Frances General Supply, From the Grind Up, and Plaza Lanes.
To enter a team, or for more information about the cook-off, contact Manty at 274-5773 or via e-mail at info@fortfranceschamber.com
The 2012 chili cook-off was won by the local Kiwanis Club, with Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting garnering the People’s Choice award.
