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Community Corner

New England Chili Cook-off

The ICS New England Chili Cook-off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS), a non-profit organization which benefits charities or non-profit organizations. The ICS New England Regional Chili Cook-Off is the biggest ICS sanctioned chili cook-off in New England! The event will benefit the Somers Fire Department and Patriot Guard CT. All winners of ICS sanctioned cook-offs qualify to compete for cash prizes and awards at the World's Championship Chili Cookoff held each year in October. 

Chili cooks and vendors can arrive at May 7th's event between 7 - 9 a.m. only. The public can arrive from 11 a.m. until approx.4:30 p.m.

The day's festivities will include a hot pepper eating contest, great music, fantastic vendors, outstanding food, DEFCON Death Match hot wing eating contest, a few surprises and the best chili!

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Chief Judge will be the 1997 ICS Red World Champion Steve Falkowski and Chief Scorekeeper Audrey Falkowski, who will be assisted by Mary Alice and Mike Kropp and Johanna and Nick Loddo.

Sanctioned and governed by the International Chili Society, cooks will compete in Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa categories. There will also be non-ICS categories for a Youth Division for kids under 18 years of age and People's Choice Chili. Cash awards will be distributed to winning teams. 

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In the past four years the New England Regional Chili Cook-Off has raised in excess of $79,000 and close to five tons of canned goods for local non profits.

The event is open to the public. Tasting kits will be sold at the gate. Entry is $5 and 2 canned goods per adult, kids under 5 and over 70 free. All canned goods will be donated to “Champs Place” a Somers Food Shelf. 

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