Deadline for entry to annual Chili cook-off approaching soon

Entries for the 18th Annual Mason-Dixon Chili Society Cook-Off to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 16. The event will be Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Black Rivers Coliseum.

The entry fee for each team is $100, but entries made after the deadline will pay an additional fee.

Mason-Dixon Chili Society Cook-Off Chairman Joe Leahy explained years ago, a group “got together to have an event where we could raise a good amount for the rescue mission. In order to really be able to have a good event, we had to basically be a separate entity from the rescue mission.”

Those wanting to help in fundraising for the mission formed the society to sponsor the chili cook-off.

“That was easier for the mission to be able to keep their mission,” which is helping those in need, Leahy said.

The event not only helps the mission, “but it’s also been a good community event,” Leahy said. “There’s really been a lot of longtime participants we enjoy seeing them every year.”

The number of teams range anywhere from 24 “to the most we’ve ever had is 34,” he said.

The teams win awards as well as bragging rights.

People’s Choice will be awarded to the first, second and third teams collecting the largest dollar amount in donations from their booths on the day of the cook-off.

Fundraising awards also will have three places for teams who raise the most in donations and pledges for the mission prior to the event day. Pledge forms must be received the day before the cook-off so officials will count them.

Chili awards will include first, second and third places as rated by the judges in a blind taste evaluation. A plaque will be given to each team.

Best Decorated Booth awards are first, second and third given to the best booth designs and decorations, according to the judges. Each team will receive a plaque.

Only one entry will be receive a Team Spirit Award for demonstrating the most enthusiasm and fun, as determined by secret judges.

Information about entries, the booth provisions, rules and regulations may be obtained by viewing the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce’s website, the Mason-Dixon Chili Society Cook-Off Facebook page, or by emailing rescueofman@tcmax.net or calling 573-785-4683.