Last chance for this great annual event . . . .

The Ludlow Rotary Club is looking for a few good cooks to make chili for next month’s 27th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Think you’ve got a taste that can’t be beat? Here’s your chance to vie for bragging rights, cash prizes and a nifty plaque. Rotary also introduces a new ski-house challenge category in recognition of the chefs who fuel Okemo's weekend ski warriors, pending interest.

The entry fee is $10 and all that’s needed are 3-5 gallons of your favorite chili delivered hot to the Cook-Off on the morning of the event. Email cook-off co-chairmen for an application: Paul Faenza at Big Eyes Bakery, pfaenza47@yahoo.com or Glenn Heitsmith at Timber Inn Motel, timberinn@tds.net or drop a note at Box 216, Ludlow, VT 05149.

The Cook-Off will be held Sat., Oct. 7 – rain or shine – under the tent on Depot Street by the traffic light and offers various varieties of chili, including traditional, vegetarian and exotic. The cost to the public is $10 for all-you-can-eat served in a collectible mug, while supplies last. There's also cider, bread and ice cream. Tasting starts at 11am and continues until the last spoonful is ladled out, usually around 2pm.

Participants vie for cash prizes in three People’s Choice categories: First ($200), Second ($100) and Third ($50). Plaques are awarded by the Rotary-appointed judges who decide Favorite, Spiciest and Team Spirit. Rutland Herald reporter Gordon Dritschilo serves as chief judge. Local citizens Bruce Farr and Peter Kolinda will also be judging this years event.

Come join the fun . . . stop in for the chili tasting! The fall season is upon us!