20th Annual Chili Bowl
The 20th Annual Chili Bowl will be held from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Clearfield Driving Park Expo II Building.
It is hosted annually by Penn Highlands Community Nurses Hospice, which is still the same as Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospice but with a different name. All proceeds raised at this event will stay in the community to cover expenses for area hospice patients that are not covered by insurance. This helps alleviate burdens from hospice patients and families in need who are facing end-of-life issues. This event also helps the bereavement program, which is a free service to anyone in the community who has suffered a loss.
The theme for 2017 is “Welcome to the Great Outdoors.” The planning committee is now accepting entries for the competition, as well as themed-basket donations that will be chanced off. Individuals, restaurants, churches, community organizations and businesses are invited to participate. Participants are encouraged to decorate their booth and/or dress in accordance with the theme.
For those not familiar with the Chili Bowl, here’s how it works: Chili entries are accepted in three categories, which are Open, Restaurant, Physicians/Emergency Responders and Church. The entry fee is $30, and the deadline for entries is Aug. 31. The judges determine winners in each category based on flavor, aftertaste, consistency, aroma and visual appeal.
Another panel of judges walks around the event. These judges determine Spirit Award winners, based on participation and enthusiasm, while another panel of judges determines the Most Artistic, with judging based on presentation of the booths.
There is also a People’s Choice Award, which is determined by the patrons’ votes.
The Humanitarian Award is another chance for entrants to shine. Each entrant has a mason jar placed on the entrant’s table. Attendees may make a voluntary donation to help choose the chili entry that wins this award. Money may also be collected prior to the event for the Humanitarian Award.
In addition to the chili competition, themed-baskets are raffled off during the night. These baskets, containing a variety of items ranging from gift certificates, clothing, household wares and other items are donated by individuals, businesses and Penn Highlands Clearfield departments. The deadline for baskets to be turned in is Aug. 14.
The baskets will be on display in the Penn Highlands Clearfield lobby: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 21-25, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, Sept 13-15 and Sept. 18-19; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 5-7. They will also be at the DuBois Mall on Sept. 8-12. People may purchase chances on the baskets during those exhibitions as well as the evening of the Chili Bowl.
Other activities will include music by Brandon Giuffrie and Friends, children’s activities and kids’ coloring contest. Volunteers will be selling 50/50 chances and other raffle tickets as well as Chili Bowl t-shirts and cookbooks.
While chili tasting is the main feature, other food items will be sold, including hot dogs, chips and drinks. Dave and Amy Duke of Clearfield will have their ice cream truck at the event. Proceeds from food and ice cream sales benefit hospice.
Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospice provides personal care and support for terminally ill persons and their families. It serves residents of Clearfield County and portions of Centre and Cambria counties.
For registration information, please contact hospice at 768-2012. Hospice is also seeking event sponsors, donations and door prizes.