The only thing better than a warm cup of chili on a cold winters day is several cups of chili varieties along with your favorite refreshment.
The Preston Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Bowls and Brews Chili Cook-Off on January 20, 2018, from 2-4 p.m. at the Preston Servicemen’s Club.
Formerly known as the Chili Cook-Off and Candlelight Ski, the event has been moved to the Preston Servicemen’s Club and the candlelight ski has been discontinued.
Gabby Kinneberg, with the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, states that “after discussion with the DNR, it was decided that we would discontinue the candlelight ski event due to lack of interest in the past few years,” as there were not many ski participants.
“The DNR felt that they just couldn’t justify sending an employee down when there were only a few candlelight ski participants,” stated Kinneberg, adding, “some of this is also due to the fact that we do not have a ski rental location close to Preston,” which makes it more difficult for people who do not own their own skis.
“We will be in touch with the DNR to possibly do a winter hike or something similar to that in future years,” says Kinneberg, which may be something new and interesting in which local residents can participate.
“The weather has also been uncooperative for the past several years,” notes Kinneberg, which affected the number of people attending the event to ski the candle lit trail.
Although there were not many people on the trail during the event in the past few years, the chili cook-off was very popular.
The Preston Area Chamber of Commerce “decided to go ahead with the chili cook-off ,as this has always been well attended,” says Kinneberg.
“Last year the chili cook-off almost outgrew the location at the Trailhead so we decided to relocate it to the Servicemen’s Club for more space and to add adult beverages to the mix,” explains Kinneberg.
There is no cost to enter your own version of the “best” chili recipe and there is no charge to come and sample all of the different varieties of chili, from mild to spicy and everything in between. The event is open to the public.
The Preston Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event which “is meant to be a fun networking event and a time to get out of your house in the winter,” states Kinneberg.
Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Preston Servicemen’s Club to enjoy while sampling chili entries and “there will also be a few beer samples available from the Servicemen’s Club that you can pair with the different chili’s depending on their spice level,” notes Kinneberg.
Preston bucks will be awarded for first, second and third place determined by the number of votes received.
There are a few requirements for anyone wishing to enter their chili. An eight-quart crock pot full of chili must be entered. Bring a ladle and any items that accompany your chili including crackers, chips, etc. Bowls and spoons for chili sampling will be provided.
Participants need to have their list of ingredients to Kinneberg by January 17. The ingredient list can be dropped off at Preston City Hall or emailed to contact@prestonmnchamber.com.
Contestants are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the event begins to get set up. For further information, phone Kinneberg at (507) 765-2153.
“We hope to grow this event each year and we may look into adding some live music next year as well as some outdoor games,” states Kinneberg.
Mark your calendars for the Bowls and Brews Chili Cook-Off on January 20 and encourage the chef in your family to enter their best chili recipe for others to enjoy!
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