Hot Stuff Happening at Ice Rink: 4th Annual Chili Cook Off

If you happen to be a connoisseur of all things bean and beef related, you wouldn't want to miss this firey event. Bethel's Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse will be there serving up some their tasty recipe,  so come and support the home team and chow down on some down home cooking.

Last year's event featured vendors, many dressed in costumes, who served up chilis representing Hawaii, the South, Tex-Mex, and even Northern regions.  To see the gallery of photos from last year's event, click

The Chili Winter Warm-Up provides fun activities for young and old; including free chili sampling from dozens of vendors, skating at the rink, (discount rate); face painting, coloring, clowns, live music from Dave King, Standby and the Mad Hatters. Cost is $5.00 a person or $15 a family which includes the discounted skating for those 12 and under.

If you've got a great recipe you want to show off, the chili competition is open to all, including businesses, schools, non-profits and the general public. The entry fee for the nonprofit division is $45 for a team of four and it includes a business card in the program.

The fee for all others is $65 per team. Nonprofit winners will be awarded cash prizes, 1st $600, 2nd $300 and 3rd, $150. The Restaurant/Caterer division and the Open category will receive plaques and bragging rights.

The “4th Annual Chili Winter Warm-Up” will be held at the Danbury Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury, on Sunday, February 19 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. 

For businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the cook-off, there are still sponsorships available at the following levels:

Hot Stuff Title - $1,000

Jalapeno Haven - 500

Tabasco Roads - 250

Chili Pepper - 100

Penny the Penguin - 25

 For information on vendor booths and more call Kay, (203) 790-8342 or email, Kay.Schreiber@sbcglobal.com