Cicero, IN – The Cicero Friends of the Park will be hosting their annual Chili Cook off on Saturday, May 21st at Red Bridge Park. Proceeds from the event will go to further their mission of providing for recreational and equipment needs for Cicero Parks in Northern Hamilton County, Indiana. A few of the projects Cicero Friends of the Park has previously funded includes $35,000.00 of new universal playground equipment for Community Park, annual “Kids Go Fishing Day”, E Concerts during the summer that are free to the public, and new handicap accessible swings.
There will be two divisions to compete in: Homestyle and State Competition. The serious Chili and Salsa competitors who wish to participate in the State competition judged by the official national Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) will have specific CASI rules and guidelines for their Chili and Salsa. Some of those guidelines include no additives like beans or noodles, the chili must be made on location the day of the event. For more information on the CASI rules of the competition, you may contact Christy Wilson with Cicero Friends of the Park.
Those who wish to participate in the local Homestyle competition have three ways to participate: People’s Choice Chili, Best Salsa, and Junior’s Chili. The cost to enter either of these three competitions is $10.00. All participants should be to Red Bridge Park by 10:00 am.
For People’s Choice Chili, the competitor will need to make and bring three (3) gallons of their best homemade chili to serve to community members who will then vote for their favorite chili. The chili that is voted the “People’s Choice” will receive a gift certificate and bragging rights for “Best Chili in Cicero”.
Community members are invited to come and sample the chili from noon to 2:00 pm and the cost to sample is $5.00 per person.
If you have any questions about the Chili Cook Off, please contact Christy Wilson at 317-410-0513 or christyw3393@gmail.com.