Eat chili and say "No" this weekend to alcohol and drugs at the Rotary Club's Chili Cook-Off. Proceeds benefit the Black River Area Community Coalition's efforts to reduce the substantial amount of drug and alcohol abuse that occurs in the community.
The 25th Annual Ludlow Rotary Chili Cook-Off will be held Sat., Oct. 10 – rain or shine – under the tent on Depot Street by the traffic light and offers up to two dozen 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.
New this year, Rotary doubled prize values. 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.
Space remains available for chili cooks. The entry fee is $10 and participants are asked to brew up 3-5 gallons of your favorite chili delivered hot to the Cook-Off on the morning of the event. For an application, contact chili co-chair people Suzanne Garvey, suzanne.garvey@sothebysrealty.com, or Glenn Heitsmith at timberinn@tds.net.
BRACC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with retailers to reduce alcohol and tobacco sales to minors and has established a local mentoring program at Ludlow and Mount Holly schools, according to executive director Brigid Sullivan. "Some of our mentor/mentee pairs are now approved to meet outside of the school day and are enjoying even more time together," Sullivan said.
BRACC educates adults in the community about the penalties for providing alcohol to minors and provides parenting information about the risks faced by children. BRACC teaches internet safety courses to parents and youths and works with the community, pharmacists and doctors to keep prescription medicines safe, including take-back days and a police department drop box.
At press time, cook-off sponsors include Black River Produce, Black River Mechanical Services, Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, Garvey and Garvey Inc., LaValley Building Supply, Okemo Mountain Resort, Shaw's Supermarket, The Richards Group, Tim Faulkner, CPA , PC, Timber Inn Motel, Tom Harris/UBS Rutland and Wilcox Creamery. Contact event organizers for additional sponsorship opportunities.