Third Annual Chili Cook-off set for Feb. 10

Published 10:01 am Tuesday, January 16, 2018

The Third Annual Chili Cook-off and Health Fair will be hosted by Senior Connection on Feb. 10.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $5 admission at the door for anybody looking to attend.

Each year the event continues to grow, and this year it will feature live entertainment with some of the former members of Southern Pride Band getting back together to provide music.

The band is known for playing a variety of country and southern rock hits, as well as throwing in the occasional gospel song.

“They’ll draw a crowd,” said Vanessa McKinney, Senior Connection Director.

According to Zed Price, a member of the band, the performance will consist of remnants of the former Southern Pride Band that had been a fixture in Chilton County for about 20 years, but had since been disbanded.

The Chili Cook-off version of the Southern Pride Band will have four guitars and several microphones, but no drums. It will be the first time in four years that any members of the band have played together.

“We’re going to try to sing the same songs the way that people remember,” Price said.

The deadline for chili contestants to register their chili is Feb. 2 and will include a $25 registration fee.

According to Senior Connection Director Vanessa McKinney, there is space available for up to 15 contestants and she is currently in the process of finding two more judges for the contest.

There will also be a $25 fee required for any vendors looking for booth space for the health fair.

Health exams will be offered, as well as booths that will sell an array of items, such as essential oils and jewelry.

Roughly 200 people have attended the event each of the first two years, and McKinney looks to continue or even raise that average in year three.