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WELLSBURG -- Let the battle begin.
The Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting chili lovers near and far to the inaugural Battle of the Bowls Chili Cook-off, set for 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
"This is open to our community. You do not have to be a chamber member," explained Brooke Chamber President Eric Fithyan.
The Battle of the Bowls was designed as a way to emphasize the connection between chamber members and the community, bringing business representatives and other residents together for a fun event.
"You have several opportunities, three to be exact, to participate in this event," Fithyan said.
Those who think they may have an award-winning chili recipe -- whether entering as an individual, a group or representing a business -- may participate in the cook-off, entering in categories including traditional spicy, mild, white chicken, vegetarian or specialty/other.
The overall winner will receive the Golden Ladle trophy, with awards also available for People's Choice and Judge's Choice.
Participants must prepare enough chili to provide a minimum of 200 tasting samples, be on site and set up no later than 4 p.m. the day of the competition with their chili fully prepared and ready to serve. In addition to meeting all health and safety requirements, participants also must provide their own signage, have at least one representative at their booth at all times, participate in official judging and be able to provide a list of ingredients and known allergens upon request.
A maximum of 20 entries will be accepted for the inaugural competition.
Sponsorships also are available, including a $1,000 presenting sponsor, $500 Five-alarm sponsors, $250 Red Hot sponsors and $100 Chili Supporter sponsors. There will be only one presenting sponsor, with other sponsorship levels limited to 10.
Those wishing to attend the cook-off may purchase tickets for $20 each, which will allow entry, two beverages and a voting opportunity.
"You’ll also have an opportunity to buy additional (voting) tickets," Fithyan said.
The event will be held rain or shine, with plans to move into the church basement in the event of inclement weather.
For more information, contact event co-chairs Taylor Bernard at 304-374-2288 or Jessica Elias at 740-461-4858, or go online to www.brookecountyareachamber.com
to register.