Cookers Wanted for Chili Cookoff

The is pleased to announce the 15th annual Chili Cook Off at on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 6 until 9 p.m. Last year more than 3,000 people joined in this festive evening of good food, fun and entertainment as many local Douglasville celebrities presented the community with different flavors of chili.

In 2011 the Mayor, County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan, Coroner Randy Daniel, local banks, politicians and businesses competed to determine the best of the best chili in Douglasville. Organizations, businesses and individuals who want to cook chili in the Halloween-themed event should contact the Cultural Arts Council 770-949-ARTS (2787) or cultureom@earthlink.net.

The fee as a chili cooker is $75 for a full table; tables can be shared but only one cooker per booth will be listed on the program and only one chili can be submitted to compete for prizes. Spaces will be limited, so checks (made payable to: CAC) and registrations forms should be sent in as early as possible. The deadline is Oct. 1. Chili cookers can also register and pay online through the CAC website, www.artsdouglas.org. Tables will only be assigned when the full fee has been paid.

Cookers are asked to bring a minimum of eight gallons of chili, heated and ready to serve, in crock pots or in a pot on a hot plate, and a ladle. Last year our “Most Sold” winner sold more than 20 gallons! There will also be awards for the “Best Tasting” chili, and the “Best Presentation” for the most creatively decorated booth. Donated tickets will also be counted. Winners will be notified by phone and announced in our local newspapers in the week after the Cookoff.

In the spirit of the season, there will also be a Children’s Halloween Costume Contest.  All children wearing costumes receive goody bags, and adults can plan to join the family fun of our annual downtown costume party.  Celebrity judges will select winners from various age groups, and each child in costume will receive a prize.

Proceeds benefit exhibitions and classes at the Cultural Arts Center, educational programs in our schools, and the CAC’s popular spring and fall concerts series, also presented on O’Neal Plaza in Douglasville’s historic downtown. We are planning to have great weather, lots of chili eaters and great fun again this year!