ARNOLD- Three and a half decades have passed since the first chili cook-off took place in the community of Arnold. Saturday, the public is invited to the 35th annual event at the Arnold Community Center, sponsored by the Arnold Chamber of Commerce.
Event chair Taylour Snyder told KCNI/KBBN news that as of Thursday morning, six teams are registered. Registrations are capped at ten teams, and registration is $40 per team.
Teams are competing for prizes including first, second and third, people’s choice, Mr. and Mrs. Congeniality, and the best decorated booth. Another prize, undoubtedly, is bragging rights for the winning team. An awards program is set for 7 PM.
Snyder said that over the years she has participated in or helped organize the cook-off, a lot of different takes on chili have entered competition.
“Some of the different ones I’ve seen, usually the meat is what gets switched up a lot. I’ve seen deer meat last year I believe it was, and then two or three years ago there was one with pheasant. One year there was a white chili, a white chicken chili.”
Public serving of the chilis will be from 5 to 7 PM, with potato and chicken noodle soup available for non-chili fans. St. Agnes church will be selling pies for dessert.
Fresh off a live performance in Nashville just three days prior, local artist turned Nashville recording artist B.J. Jamison will entertain from 6 to 9 PM.
For help with questions or team registration, contact Taylour Snyder at 308-660-1074 or Debbie Connelly at 308-440-6862. Sign-up forms can also be picked up at First State Insurance in Arnold.
