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Chili cooks ready to bring on the heat

Rotary Club fundraiser offers food, fun and a little chicanery

The Rotary Club of West Shore's 10th Annual Chili Cook Off is set to simmer over lunchtime on Aug. 23.

More than 15 local organizations and corporate teams will prepare at least five gallons of chili each to try and win over the public and gain the coveted People's Choice award. Attendees who purchase a $7 voting card get a sampling of each entry and a say in who takes home the trophy.

Chili submissions will also be part of a blind competition for Best Judged Chili, where judges give marks for aroma, consistency, taste and aftertaste, before removing their blindfolds and rating the chili cooks themselves on booth decoration, costumes, showmanship, presentation of the chill and bribes.

That's right, bribes. Each team is supplied with an 'Official Bribe Envelope' and are encouraged to slip the judges a little something extra during the judging process. This will also be the second year to present the special Best Showmanship award.

Proceeds from the event go to the Rotary Club of West Shore and the many local projects they support.

The cook off will be held at Millstream Village shopping centre, 2401 Millstream Rd., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. To register a team or find information on becoming a sponsor, visit westshorerotary.org or call Jenn Raappana at 250-893-2204.

acowan@goldstreamgazette.com