Arlington Heights to bring back chili cook-off
After a one-year absence, the Arlington Heights chili cook-off is back.
Last year the health department canceled the event, citing health concerns since people brought their own chili entries from home for the public to taste.
The move didn't go over well with chili fans, especially the winners of the 2005 chili cook-off -- Joe Koziol and Joe Russell. Wanting a chance to defend their title, the two Arlington Heights residents paid $400 and rented out the local Knights of Columbus hall and hosted their own chili cook-off in 2006.
"People wanted it back; we heard that a lot," said Jon Ridler, Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce executive director.
The chamber figured out a way to please both the health department and chili fanatics -- two cook-offs, one for individuals and one for Arlington Heights restaurants.
Only the judges taste the individual chili cook-off entries. Everyone can taste the restaurant samples, Ridler said.
The chili cook-off is part of the annual Autumn Fest celebration, slated this year for Oct. 6. Besides the chili cook-off, the fest will feature a scarecrow-building contest, pony rides, a petting zoo, a scavenger hunt, hayrides, a kids craft corner and more. The downtown event is free and open to the public.
The "Harvest Heat Chili-Cook-off" will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Eastman Street, adjacent to the north side of North School Park.
Individuals will be judged both on their chili and on their presentation, Ridler said.
"Be creative," he said. "If you want to present the chili on a unicycle, that would impress the judges."
It costs $25 to enter the chili cook-off. The first place winner gets $250, second place gets $125 and third place gets $75. All three winners also get special aprons.
The winning restaurant gets a banner to hang in the restaurant.
So far, Birch River Grill, Boston Blackies and Peggy Kinnane's Irish Pub have signed up for the restaurant category. Residents can register online at www.arlingtonhtschamber.com or by calling (847) 253-1703.