The Fayette Tribune, Oak Hill, W.Va.

Local News

July 19, 2012

Cooks invited to compete in Bridge Day Chili Cook-off

By C.V. Moore Register-Herald Reporter

FAYETTEVILLE — Organizers of the 4th annual Bridge Day Chili Cook-off invite cooks from the region to get out their soup kettles, heat up their cast iron skillets and join them in Fayetteville this Oct. 20 for another delicious competition.

“We would like to branch out with our participants and have a more regional flavor,” says Fayetteville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Sally Kiner, who hopes restaurants throughout the region will participate in this year’s event.

“It’s growing and getting bigger and better each year.”

At the cook-off each year, Bridge Day spectators flood the Fayette County town once the aerial acrobatics come to an end. Waiting for them are huge pots of chili and pans of cornbread to sample, as well as an array of local restaurants for sit-down meals.

“We see this as a complement to Bridge Day,” says Kiner. “We want to showcase our community by inviting visitors into the town to celebrate the largest one-day festival in West Virginia. Visitors can watch them jump off the bridge and then watch them cook off in town.”

So what’s in it for the cooks?

Prize money, for one thing. Up to $100 each will be awarded to winners in the traditional (no beans), nontraditional, professional and amateur chili divisions.

Chili will be evaluated on “taste, consistency, aroma, color and bite.” Cornbread, “chili’s best friend,” may also be entered for prize money.

Cooks will also be reimbursed 25 cents for each ticket collected, to cover expenses.

“Then there’s the prestige,” says Kiner. “We do have a People’s Choice Award, and there is the honor of being the winner and vying for that title.”

That award brings $150.

Their participation also helps support the CVB’s effort to draw visitors into downtown Fayetteville to spend a little cash before they hit the road.

Participants get to be a part of hosting visitors from all over the country and the world.

“It’s good business for the restaurants to participate,” she says.

The cook-off kicks off at 3 p.m. on Bridge Day, with live music from The Boatmen. At least 6 gallons of chili should be prepared before the event.

Participants must provide their own tables, chairs and tent if desired. No electricity will be available, so cooks must bring their own heat source, such as a propane grill.

The CVB will provide all utensils and tasting cups.

Registration costs $15 for chili and nothing at all for cornbread. At least one team member must have a food handler’s card. Get in touch with the CVB for information on the food handler’s class.

To register, or for more information, visit www.visitfayettevillewv.com, or call 304-574-6120.

— E-mail: cmoore@register-herald.com

 

Text Only
Local News
  • coda uke Deadline June 1 for Coda Kidz

    The sound of music and children’s laughter are in the air as budding young musicians, ages 5 to 12,  discover their musical talent in the fun and innovative summer program, Coda Kidz.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Fayette working to improve disaster response

    Improving the county’s communications during a disaster is a top priority of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Services, says the agency’s new director.

    May 23, 2013

  • School projects are prioritized in Mount Hope

    Mount Hope wants a new elementary school. That much is clear. But how and whether that’s going to happen is by no means apparent at this stage in Fayette County’s effort to address its numerous aging school buildings.

    May 23, 2013

  • izzys treehouse Smilin’ and playin’ at Izzy’s Treehouse

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Two Memorial Day events planned at Huse Memorial

    For those looking to spend their Memorial Day weekend taking part in a traditional graveside ceremony, Fayetteville offers two: A candlelight vigil and a groundbreaking for a new veterans’ memorial.

    May 23, 2013

  • carrie hill Memorial Day celebration

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Manchin rep to visit Oak Hill today

    U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) announced his office launched its fifth “Commonsense Connections” Week Monday. Representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will make more than 95 stops across West Virginia – traveling to all 55 counties – to meet with constituents, hear their commonsense priorities and concerns, and gather their feedback.

    May 23, 2013

  • cms hannah kaley kayden CMS Social Studies Fair winners

    May 23, 2013 4 Photos

  • jennifer williamsd Williams earns degree

    Jennifer Leigh Williams of Oak Hill received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (cum laude) from the West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources on Saturday, May 18 at West Virginia University Coliseum.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Honor rolls

    May 23, 2013