HONEY GRASS.
BURK’S FALLS – Calling all chili enthusiasts.
Aug. 11 marks the first-ever Texas Chili Cook-off in Burk’s Falls.
Teams are encouraged to sign up and put their favourite chili recipe to the test.
If you have a love for chili but lack the knack for cooking it, you’re still in luck.
Spectators are permitted to try each of the contestants’ entries.
“People who come can buy a bowl from us and go around sampling all of the chili,” said Lion Dave Mitchell, who is also helping to judge the competition. “There is a Peoples’ Choice category.”
The chili challenge is organized in conjunction with Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). The organization is sending an official CASI referee to the event, where chili-cooking teams bring their ingredients and cook their submission on-site.
The chili is then judged on five criteria: aroma, red colour, consistency, taste, and aftertaste.
The eligible recipes are outlined in the CASI regulations for Texas chili.
“They aren’t allowed to include fillers like beans or rice, and they can’t use any type of pre-packed chili mixtures,” explained Mitchell.
The cook-off is being held as part of the second annual Burk’s Falls Country Jamboree, which kicks off on Aug. 10.
The Jamboree takes place at the Armour, Ryerson, Burk’s Falls Agricultural Fairgrounds off of Yonge Street in Burk’s Falls. The three-day event offers the best in homegrown country with Canadian recording artist Bonita Mercer, local powerhouse Pam Millar and popular Central Ontario group, The Mag River Band. Performers include local bluegrass legends Honey Grass, Algoma-based band The Wildflowers, acoustic duo John & Julie Pennell, The Mahon Family gospel group, and the Newfie Chicks. Gates open Friday, Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. with the show running from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday the gates open at 10 a.m. with music underway at noon and lasting into the night. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Sunday with an hour long church service beginning at 10 a.m. Gospel hour begins at 11 a.m. and the musical performances kick up again from noon until 4 p.m.
A weekend pass includes two nights of on-site camping. Day passes are also available.
There will be 50/50 draws and raffles held all weekend long and there is plenty of free parking to accommodate all that are planning to attend.
If you are interested in competing in the cook-off the cost is $25 per team. Teams must register before 10 a.m. on Aug. 11. Judging begins at 3:30 p.m. and awards will be handed out at 5 p.m.
“They actually hold a World Championship cook-off each year,” said Mitchell. “If we have the minimum amount of entries, the winner could be eligible for that competition.
Revenue from the chili cook-off goes directly to the Lions Club.
To enter the competition or for more information on the event, call Dave Mitchell at 705-382-0556 or Peter Hall at 705-789-0250, or visit burksfallscountryjamboree.ca.