The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, today announced that the 17th Annual Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff will take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 6:45 p.m., in Uptown Mount Vernon.
The chili cookoff is open to the public. The event features up to 25 chili-cooking teams vying for a total of $600 in cash prizes including prizes for Best Traditional Chili and Best Non-Traditional Chili, as well as a cash prize for People’s Choice.
The cooking will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the public invited to the tasting portion of the event from 4 to 6:45 p.m. The announcement and awarding of prizes will take place at or about 6:45 p.m. Chili samples in biodegradable cups are available for a 25-sample “passport” card for $20. Beer, soda and water are available for purchase, as are grilled cheese and grilled peanut butter sandwiches. Admission to the event is free.
Also scheduled is a Bags Tournament starting at 2 p.m. Those interested in signing up for the bags tournament are asked to contact Aaron Truitt at atruitt@mountvernon.k12.ia.us or sign up at the event.
“This event has been growing every year since its inception,” said event chair Sue Margheim. “This year we offer two categories plus the return of the People’s Choice. This is always a great way to try chili, support a local non-profit and socialize with friends and family!”
Online Chili team applications are available here. A hard copy of same is available for download here:
More information is available at www.visitmvl.com
About the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group exists to improve the social and economic well-being of Mount Vernon and Lisbon by capitalizing on their unique identity, assets and character. Mount Vernon was selected as a Main Street community in 2008, and practices economic development within the context of historic preservation.
About Main Street
The Main Street Approach is a copyrighted process of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Program has been used in Iowa since 1986 with a total of 56 communities having participated. Mount Vernon was selected as a Main Street community on March 4, 2008 by the State of Iowa, after submitting a comprehensive application and presenting to a select board of reviewers.
