Chili cook-off deadline nearing

With the “Great Canadian Chili Cook-Off” planned for Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking for one more ingredient to make the event a success—more chefs.
The deadline to sign up is this Friday (Oct. 17).

Chamber manager Dawn Booth said seven teams have registered so far while another five or so have expressed an interest.
Organizers are hoping for about a dozen teams, “but if we only end up with seven or eight, we’re still going to do it,” stressed Booth. “Twelve is a nice number, but if we have less than that or more than that, we’ll make it work.”
To enter a chili team, call Booth at 274-5773 or visit fortfranceschamber.com for an official entry form.
Teams must include their team name with registration. They also must provide four gallons of chili, which has to be cooked prior to the event.
Warmers, ladles, bowls, utensils, buns, and drinks will be provided by the chili committee. Teams only have to bring their chili, as well as any other “extras” they choose to make their entry just that much more special.
Booth noted there are public health requirements to consider. For instance, the chili cannot be prepared in a home environment unless the home has been inspected by the public health inspector.
It can, however, be prepared in a commercial kitchen, church kitchen, or hall kitchen.
But Booth said these requirements should not deter teams from participating, noting the Chamber has made arrangements with the local Legion to have its kitchen available to chefs the day prior to the event, as well as the morning of, for any team needing access to an approved kitchen.
As well, the Bonnie Blue has volunteered the use of its kitchen for chili chefs.
Time slots will be scheduled so only one team is in the kitchen at any given time, noted Booth.
As for those more interested in eating chili than cooking it, they should know the event will be held Oct. 29 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the local Legion.
For $5, they will get a bowl of chili. If they would like to taste all or some of the types of chili prepared for the cook-off, pay $7 and get a “sampler.” Both the bowl and sampler options include a dinner roll and beverage (coffee or juice).
The cook-off also will feature the always-popular “Great Canadian Cake Roulette” and everyone is welcome to donate baked goods. Those wanting to do so can contact Booth at 274-5773.
While the chili cook-off is a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, Booth said she’s encouraging everyone who comes out to bring along a non-perishable item to be donated to local food banks.