Bell Buckle fired up over Chili Cook-off

Do you have a big appetite? Then get ready because the Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department is holding its first ever Chili Cook-off.

The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 24, at the new Bell Buckle Fire Station on Main Street. All cooks are encouraged to participate whether they live in Bell Buckle or elsewhere. 

"We've been doing a lot of fundraising to build our new fire hall, and this is a great way to thank the community and to show off our new facility," according to volunteer fire fighter Matthew Joseph.

The Bell Buckle Volunteer Fire Department is holding its first ever Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the new Bell Buckle Fire Station on Main Street. All cooks are encouraged to participate whether they live in Bell Buckle or elsewhere. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge]

In planning this event, Joseph hopes that this will be the start of a great contest that will continue to grow in popularity and entries for years to come. As the contest grows, Joseph hopes that a large cash award can be considered in future years for the winner in order to draw some major competition.

The Cook-Off is open to contestants at 5 p.m. and will be open to the public at 6 p.m.. The chili may be cooked at the fire hall or brought already prepared. 

After the judging is completed, the chili will be served free to the public. Judging will be based on three major criteria: taste (95 percent), presentation (2.5 percent), and originality (2.5 percent). 

A gift certificate from the Bell Buckle Café will be presented to the winner. 

A country music band will be on site for entertainment throughout the event.

There is no entry fee to participate, but contestants must register by Feb. 23 by calling Joseph at 224-5370 or Bell Buckle Town Hall at 389-9513 or emailing to tobbtn@charter.net.