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Writer's pictureLeigh Roach

Chili for a Cause


Kicking in the fall season with food created for a great reason is the purpose of the second annual Charity Chili Cook-Off October 20, at Wilderness Trail Distillery. The event’s entry and patron fees will benefit the Danville Kiwanis’ Christmas for Kids and Seniors. There will be a variety of chili to taste, local food vendors, local artists, music and refreshing drinks for this family friendly event.

Christmas is just around the corner and you can make a difference this year! Since 1927, the Danville Kiwanis Club has provided gifts of new clothing, coats, shoes and small toys for children for the holidays. They also support local senior citizens. The children and elderly the Kiwanis support are not served by any other group. With our community’s support we can spread some needed joy this holiday season.

All teams vying for the top taste award may enter Wilderness Trail Distillery’s second annual Charity Chili Cook-Off for a small donation of $25 direct to the Kiwanis Club. Tickets are $10 to attend the event and will be offered in advance. Proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club and each ticket holder gets unlimited tastings of the best chili the area has to offer and the hard task of voting for their favorites for top bragging rights. Prize money is determined by number of entries, so join the competition and increase your potential winnings.

Celebrity judges former University of Kentucky basketball star Cameron Mills, Boyle County football Coach Chuck Smith, syndicated UK sports columnist Larry Vaught and ourselves, the Kentucky Taste Buds, will lend our discerning palates to determine the winners. Teams should prepare 1 quart of chili for the judges and another 3 gallons of chili for the tasters. The tasting will be 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and winners announced at 2:30 p.m., Tim Estes, DJ EZE, will keep the party hopping.

This is a family-friendly event with children’s activities, such as free pumpkins to decorate, free books from the Boyle County library bookmobile and face painting. Serious chili contenders need to submit an entry form by Oct. 12. To obtain an entry form or purchase tickets, contact Emily Toadvine at Emily@wildernesstrailky.com, phone 859-402-8707 or visit the distillery at 4095 Lebanon Road, Danville.

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