Teams needed for Mason-Dixon event

Entries and sponsors are being accepted for the 15th annual Mason-Dixon Chili Society Cook-Off to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

The free event will open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Black River Coliseum.

If you think your secret chili recipe is a winner, now is the time to register a team. Entry fee is $100 per team of eight people and includes the Feb. 21 hospitality event. Teams will pay a late registration fee of $125 after Thursday.

“Each team pays … to enter plus buying their supplies and food and beverages for their team members,” said Mason-Dixon Chili Society member and banker Sandy Wood. “We ask them to prepare a five-gallon roaster of chili. Everyone usually runs out.”

Individuals do not have to have a veteran team to enter and win, Wood pointed out. First Missouri State Bank entered for the first time last year and won.

Last year, 30 teams participated and since it is an election year, Wood said, “we are hoping for the politicians to join the fun. The chili cook-off has grown over the years. This year is shaping up and should be a good weekend of competition. Teams setup their booths Friday, (Feb. 21), which is a good time of fellowship.”

“The cook-off is a really fun event, a little bit of hands-on working, good networking and an opportunity for public exposure with their booths,” Wood said

A good variety of individuals and businesses take part, with teams showing up early at 6 a.m. Saturday to prepare the chili.

Wood stated, “What better to do on a cold February Saturday than attend the chili cook-off? You see everyone, taste good chili and listen to good music. There is no such thing as bad weather for chili. If it is raining or cold, it gives you something to do.”

Anyone may come in and taste as many different samples as they want.

Entertainment will be provide by Associate Circuit Judge Wade Pierce’s band Just - US and Jerry Wawak.

The public may vote for the peoples’ choice, but the overall winner is determined by blind judging.

Prizes of first, second and third will be awarded for booth decorations, fundraising, blind judging, people’s choice and the surprise category, which began last year, the team spirit award, which is announced the day of the event, Wood said.

The cook-off usually raises about $15,000, which helps with the mission expenses. The money helps the mission provide food to the needy and run a men’s recovery program.

“We need to help them with their budget,” Wood said.

Event sponsors already signed up are Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Smith & Company Engineers, Kohlfeld Distributors, First Missouri State Bank, Sterling Insurance, Scott Law Group, Commerce Bank and Mo-ArK Provisions Co. Inc.

Sponsorships ranging between $250 to $2,500 plus are also available. Sponsors must contact Wood or Liz Christian no later than Friday to have their names placed on T-shirts for the event.

Teams or prospective sponsors may contact Wood at 573-429-2215 or at First Missouri State Bank, 573-785-6800 or Christian at 573-714-2040. Wood said, the entry form also may be found on the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Taste of the Town page. She will accept entries, as will Christian, at 421 W. Pine Blvd., Poplar Bluff, or by emailing information to rescueofman@tcmax.net.