Brown's 2nd chili cook-off Jan. 30
Mayor Russ Loven tasted a variety of chilis at Brown's chili cook-off in 2015. Brown's will hold their second cook off this month. (Photo submitted)
By Molly Moser
Brown’s Sales & Leasing in Guttenberg will hold their second annual chili cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the music programs at Clayton Ridge and St. Mary’s schools, and Brown’s will match funds raised by the cook-off.
Last year Brown’s matched the free will donations from voters sampling the eight different chilis to raise $520 for each school music program. Over 30 voters turned out in 2015, and owner Dave Brown is hopeful for an even better showing this year. “We realize that the music departments in Guttenberg are an important part of the school system and we need to emphasize that in every way we can,” said Brown.
“Anybody can come in and vote,” said Brown’s internet sales manager Angela Reed, who’s helping organize the event. “We’ll be offering samples or bowls, and this year music students are bringing in cinnamon rolls, cornbread, and drinks. The music directors will be here to socialize, and students will help welcome people, do setup and cleanup.”
According to Clayton Ridge High School music instructor Adam Radcliffe, last year's funds were used to assist with show choir uniforms, band equipment, music arrangements, and toward the upcoming band trip to New York City. “Mr. Radcliffe and Mr. Idler spent the whole day here to oversee last year; their presence was appreciated,” said Brown.
Chili cooks who intend to participate should notify Brown’s by Jan. 28. Sign up sheets are available now at both schools or at Brown’s. There is no fee to participate, but chefs should bring their own crockpots and serving spoons to the Brown’s RV Center by 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 30.
Door prizes donated by local businesses will be handed out to chili tasters that Saturday, and cook off winners will be awarded a $100 Brown’s gift certificate for first place, $50 gift certificate for second, and $25 gift certificate for third place.
“The chilis last year were hot and ultra hot!” laughed Brown. An eight-meat chili took first place in the 2015 cook off, and other entries included white chicken chili, and jambalaya. “Anything and everything goes, as long as it falls under the category of chili,” said Reed.
Brown's Sales & Leasing have made a habit of giving back to the community, especially to the schools. They helped provide school supplies to area students with a Fill the Focus drive, participate in Ford's Drive 4 Ur School each year, and also Fill the Truck for Shepherd of the Hills each Christmas.
For more information, call Brown’s at 252-1611 and ask for Angela Reed or Heidi Reeder.
