Planning for the 10th annual Simon Kenton Chili Cook-off Festival and Hoopla Parade began on March 9 and the committee is working to make the Sept. 24 event the largest and best ever. Led by co-chairs Beth Adair and Bill Bean, the committee includes Amy Knotts, Mary Collier, Jeremiah Stocksdale, Jeff Heiberger, Sandy Gonzalez, Audra Bean, Linda Monroe, Dwight Paul, Sandy Loffing, Vince Gonzalez, Amy Chamberlain, Lori Williams, Carolyn Headlee, Lisa Ebert and Alyssa Dunham. A favorite of the 2015 event was the “Dunk Tank” and it will be returning this year. To nominate someone to be “dunked,” contact Beth at 614-440-7560.
The Dayton Antioch Shriners will return as the showmen of the Hoopla Parade, directed by Dwight Paul. Groups, clubs and bands are invited to join the festivities. Popular events such as the best salsa contest, jalapeno eating contest, “suck, chew, and blow” contest and the corn hole tournament will also be featured.
Most importantly is the chili cook-off, which has a grand prize of $1,000. Fire up those kettles, fine tune that recipe and enter to win. For photos of previous festivals and applications, check out www.chilicookoffofurbana.com
