Annual Chili Cook Off Set for Oct. 19

The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County is delighted to announce that the 17th annual Chili Cook Off at O’Neal Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 6 until 9 p.m., will be sponsored by John Bleakley Ford. The Cultural Arts Council’s fund-raising event is held in conjunction with the Rogue Runners Moonlight Run.  Last year more than 3,000 people joined in this festive evening of good food and family fun as many local Douglasville celebrities, including the County Commission Chair Tom Worthan, political candidates, local bankers and many business leaders, presented the community with different flavors of chili to savor. 

In 2012 the coveted “Best Tasting” prize was presented to a Chili Cook Off first-timer Miller-Hightower; Gold’s Gym placed second and City Councilmen Dennis McLain and Marc Adams took third place. The “Best Decorated Booth” award went to long-time Chili Cook Off participant Douglas County Coroner Randy Daniel; with first runner up award presented to first-timer Omega Learning Center, and Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tom Worthan as second runner up in this competitive category. In many ways, the “Most Sold” award represents the people’s choice; and last year Randy Daniel won this additional honor.  Many of the 2012 winners are returning this year as the competitors to beat during this sold-out event.

In addition to the 2013 presenting sponsor John Bleakley Ford, Chili Cook Off participants are: the elected officials and candidates County Chair Tom Worthan and Linda Worthan, Mayor Harvey Persons and Sherrie Persons, City Councilman Dennis McLain, County Coroner Randy Daniel, County Tax Commissioner Todd Cowan, State Representative Micah Gravley, Candidate and acting County Clerk of the Court Tammy Howard, City Council candidate Mike Miller, County Commissioner Mike Mulcare, Candidate for City Council Jay Smith, and running for re-election City Councilman Larry Yockey; and local businesses and organizations including returning competitors Creekside Pines Senior Community, the Douglas County Lions Club, Estes Detailing and Fleet Washing, Gold’s Gym, Coldwell Banker, Jr. League of Douglasville, BB&T, Grace Presbyterian Church, and new comers like Douglas County Stingrays, Carole Parks Catering, The Marine Corps League, and West Georgia Technical College Culinary Department.

In the spirit of the season, there will also be a Children’s Halloween Costume Contest.  Celebrity judges will select winners from three age groups (Kindergarteners and younger, elementary schoolers, and middle and high school students).  Each child in costume will receive a prize.  The costume contest will be judged at 6:30 p.m. in front of the O’Neal Plaza stage. All children wearing costumes receive goody bags, which will be available at “Drinks, Hot Dogs and Desserts” booth, staffed by the 4-H and other youth groups coordinated by the County Extension Agency, near the fountain throughout the evening. Adults are encouraged to join the family fun of our annual downtown costume party. 

The 4-H booth, serving hot dogs, cider, and desserts made by CAC volunteers and soft drinks donated by Coca Cola, earns funds in support of its programs and other youth projects coordinated by the Douglas County Cooperative Extension Office.  All other proceeds support exhibits and classes at the Cultural Arts Center, educational programs in schools, and CAC’s popular spring and fall concerts series, also presented on O’Neal Plaza in downtown Douglasville.

“We are so pleased to have John Bleakley Ford as our presenting sponsor for the Chili Cook Off again this year,” said CAC Board President Greg Williams. “Their generosity and public spiritedness is and will be much appreciated by the Cultural Arts Council and the community we serve -- more than 43,000 people including 8,000 children and young people every year.”

For more information go to www.artsdouglas.org.