Planning for the 11th annual Simon Kenton Chili Cook-off Festival and Hoopla Parade began on March 8 and the committee is working to make the Sept. 23 event the largest and best ever. Led by co-chairs Beth Adair and Bill Bean, the committee includes Amy Chamberlain, Carolyn Headlee, Lois Monroe, Alyssa Dunham, Lori Williams, Mary Collier, Jeremiah Stocksdale, Jeff Heiberger, Sandy Gonzalez, Audra Bean, Linda Monroe, Dwight Paul, Sandy Loffing, Vince Gonzalez, Amy Armstrong and Alyssa Dunham.
Returning this year is the popular “dunk tank” and the Urbana Fire Division has agreed to fill the tank and then sound their sirens to alert the cookers to fire up their kettles and start cooking! If you have suggestions for those to be “dunked,” contact Beth Adair.
The Hoopla Parade, featuring the Dayton Antioch Shriners and their miniature vehicles, will begin at noon. Dwight Paul, chairman, welcomes groups, bands, clubs and neighborhoods to participate. If interested email him at [email protected] for details. Following the parade, live entertainment featuring “The IndoorFins” will begin and contests will continue throughout the day. Contests will include Jalapeno Eating Contest; Suck, Chew and Blow and Best Salsa. The popular corn hole tournament will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the American Cornhole Association (ACA) rules to be applied. A dedicated children’s area including the balloon lady, face painting, and bouncy house guarantee a day of fun for the entire family.
It’s time to “tweak” your favorite chili recipe and enter to win the grand prize of $1,000. Entry forms are available on line at www.chilicookoffofurbana.com or by calling Beth Adair, 614-440-7560. In addition, vendor applications are available on line for those wishing to join the fun. Deadline for applications is Sept. 8 or until spaces are filled. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!
