IMLAY - The Imlay Auxiliary is still looking for contestants for their Extreme Chili Cook-Off to be held on Oct. 27 at the Imlay Community Center. So far, the group says only two chili cooking teams have committed to entering.
So if you have a good chili recipe you might want to contact one of the auxiliary members at 538-7043 or 224-6720 to enter the contest.
This will be the third and deciding year for the group's culinary contest.
"We named it the Extreme Chili Cook-Off because it is held at the end of October when the weather is more like chili-cooking weather - you know cold. That's when most people want to eat chili, and because the cooking is done outside that makes it a little more extreme. But maybe there aren't that many extreme cooks out here," said Imlay Auxiliary President Terry Sherbinow.
The group committed to sponsor the event for three years. They thought they were off to a good start with three teams their first year. However, circumstances out of their control caused the cancelation of three of their four teams last year.
"If we have four teams this year we will commit to doing this another two years. But if not, we probably won't do it next year," Sherbinow said.
They are offering a cash prize and trophy for first place, a trophy for a People's Choice award and ribbons for second and third places.
Other added treats the group is providing is a classic car show. There will also be a DJ and costume contest for the kids, a bake sale and free vendor spaces are also offered.
Sherbinow said they have received commitments from more people for the car show than they have for the chili cook off.
"We put out a lot of time, energy and money to put on events out here, and since this is a fundraiser to help fund the charitable work we do in this area, we will need to take a look at if this event is profitable enough for us to continue," Imlay Auxiliary Secretary Sandy Urschel said.
The group is involved in many events through out the year. It puts on a Murder Mystery Dinner in February, holds an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter, and organizes a Father's Day Parade with a free barbeque in June. In July, they organize a barbeque and other activities for the Imlay Volunteer Fire Department's Street Dance, in October hold the Chili Cook-Off and in December they organize a Service Appreciation Ceremony recognizing those who help the community.
The Murder Mystery Dinner, Street Dance barbeque and Chili Cook-Off are the only fundraisers they put on to provide the funds for the other events and charitable works they do. Currently they are in the final stages of the restoration of the IVFD's 1950 fire truck. The group has also helped area seniors and students with various financial needs, Urschel said.
"It was still fun, but I wished there was a competition, 'cause my chili would have won," last year's chili cook-off winner and sole contestant Natasha Stephenson said after last year's contest.
She and her teammates have already entered this year's cook-off and they are hoping for more competition she said.
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