Ellington

Bachman Community Center is seeking contestants for its annual Chili Cookoff, which will be held about a month earlier than usual this year on Saturday, Oct. 29.

“We thought it would be fun to have it on Halloween weekend,” said Bachman Executive Director Lissa Goeltz, who also cited the frigid temperature of last year’s event as a reason for the earlier date.

Teams of up to five people are encouraged to register for the competition by the Oct. 15 deadline. Each team must prepare 5 gallons of chili and is required to designate a head chef at least 18 years of age.

“Participating in the cookoff promotes a team spirit amongst your organization, whether it’s a church group, club or PTA,” said Goeltz. “It’s an easy way to get a group together and have a fun competition.”

The entry fee has been lowered from $50 to $35 this year to encourage more entries, she said.

The cookoff is one of Bachman’s biggest fundraisers. Money raised at the event will be used for the renovation of the Bachman cafeteria, including new flooring as well as heating and air-conditioning.

Chili must be homemade with USDA-approved ingredients. Beans and noodles are permitted, as are vegetarian and white chilis.

“Teams do not have to have the best chili in the world, and they do not have to be professional chefs,” said Goeltz. “The odds are pretty good with 15 teams and five prizes.”

A blind judges’ panel rates entries based on flavoring and chili pepper taste, cutting points on those which are too spicy or bland; the texture of the meat, which can’t be too mushy or chewy; as well as the chili’s consistency, aroma and color.

Goeltz said the hands-down winner for 2010 was the Nolan Elementary team, which nabbed the Chef’s Award for best chili in addition to receiving the most votes in the People’s Choice competition.

Awards will also be given for the best costumes this year in lieu of the contest for best booth decoration, she said.

Admission to the cookoff is $5, which includes unlimited chili. Tasting lasts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the event, which also features live bluegrass and campfires.

Call 886-4842 or email director@bachmancc.org for more information.