Find out whose chili reigns supreme at chamber's cook-off
On Oct. 6, the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its second Chili-Cook-off. From 3 to 6 p.m., a team of professional judges will be tasting and scoring the chili entries.
Individuals or groups are encouraged to register and present their favorite chili to compete for cash and prizes and be crowned champion. Along with the excitement of the individual category, local restaurants will be competing for the title of "People's Choice, Best Chili," and "Best Chili in Arlington Heights."
The public will be allowed to taste samples of the chili from the restaurants and purchase a bowl to enjoy. The chamber will be hosting a beer tent for the event along with live music. The Harvest Heat -- Chili Cook-off event will follow the Autumn Harvest event at North School Park sponsored by the village of Arlington Heights and the Special Events Commission. Both events have free admission.
Chili may be just a comfort food to you or a way to make an inexpensive meal for a large family. But to many serious chiliheads out there, it is more than just a simple crock pot full of spices. The International Chili Society, or ICS, is a not-for-profit organization that sanctions chili cook-offs. These events are worldwide and benefit charities or nonprofit organizations.
All winners of ICS-sanctioned cook-offs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World's Championship Chili Cook-off. The first world championship chili cook-off was held in 1967 at the ranch of world-famous race car driver Carroll Shelby.
The ICS is the largest food contest, festival organization in the world. Its sole purpose is to promote, develop and improve the preparation and appreciation of true chili and to determine each year the World's Champion Chili through officially sanctioned and regulated competitive cook-offs.
ICS also furthers the camaraderie of chiliheads on behalf of charitable and nonprofit organizations in the world. The International Chili Society is proud to say it sanctions over 300 cook-offs a year throughout the world and have helped raise over $75 million dollars for charities and nonprofit organizations. There are currently 17 sanctioned chili cook-offs in Illinois.
The Harvest Heat Chili Cook-off is not an ICS-sanctioned event. We need you to help move us toward an ICS-sanctioned event in Arlington Heights by helping make this year a huge success.
Register to compete in the individual and group category by visiting our Web site at www.discoverarlingtonheights.com and go to the chamber calendar of events on Oct. 6. Plan to attend and enjoy a great day at Autumn Harvest and join us for some excellent chili, beverages and entertainment at the Harvest Heat Chili Cook-off.