To celebrate the fire department’s long and important history, it is joining with the Urbandale Centennial Steering Committee to host a Firehouse Chili Cook-Off contest.
Cook-off entries are being accepted until Jan. 13 in three categories: Youth (under age 18), Open, and Firefighter/Police/EMT. Entry forms are available at urbandale100.org/event/firehouse-chili-cook-off/.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of celebrity judges with a top prize of $25 awarded in each category and an overall winner will be awarded $100. All entrants will receive a commemorative Urbandale Centennial medallion.
The chili cook-off also will feature two celebrity challenges. The chili-cooking talents of Fire Chief Jerry Holt will go up against those of Police Chief Ross McCarty. And in battle of city leaders, Mayor Bob Andeweg will compete against former mayors E.J. Giovannetti, Brad Zaun, and Don Brush.
Each entrant must supply his or her own ingredients in an eight-quart electric roaster or Crock Pot. The Centennial Committee will supply electrical cords, ladles, spoons, bowls, napkins and beverages.
The public is invited to sample entries. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and older and $3 for children under 12. Family cost will be capped at $20. Proceeds benefit the Urbandale Centennial Steering Committee.
