Chili Cook Off hits Churchill Square over lunch hour

EDMONTON – Get your taste buds ready for the 23rd annual Chili Cook Off in Churchill Square on Friday.

The event is kicking off our city’s River City Round Up festival; and judging by the contenders, the competition’s going to get heated. Nineteen vendors will be vying for the coveted title of Edmonton’s best chili, as you sample their creations to your heart’s content for just $2 a bowl (or $1 for a smaller size – a new addition this year).

The show will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a chili pepper eating contest,  live music, our Carole Anne Devaney serving as emcee, and Jennifer Crosby will be one of the judges.

She’ll be scoring each chili on its aroma, taste, texture and appearance, with the following awards being up for grabs: Best Local Grown, Best Vegan, and Best Overall.

You’ll get to have your pick, as well, by voting in the People’s Choice category – just make sure to pick up a ballot when you buy your tickets.

Follow the social media chatter on our live blog, and join in the action by tweeting your photos and best chili picks using the hashtag #rcr13 or #cco.

Aside from your appetite, those who come out to Churchill Square during Friday’s lunch hour are encouraged to bring a cash or food donation for Edmonton’s Food Bank.

“We are excited about the Chili Cook Off and extremely grateful that they have chosen to support our work,” said Tamisan Bencz-Knight with the Food Bank. “As we move into winter we are reminded that the need is year-round and the support of this event will go a long way.”

Here are some donation suggestions from the Food Bank: beans with or without pork, canned fish or meat, baby formula, peanut butter, soup, canned fruit or vegetables, pasta & pasta sauce, juice boxes and school snacks.

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