News Release - Contestants Sought for Annual Chilly Chili Challenge at Lakeside Winter Celebration

City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018) – The City of Rochester and Ontario Beach Park Program Committee invite local chili masters to compete for the prestigious designation of having the “Best Chili in Rochester,” at the Chilly Chili Challenge cook-off from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.10, inside the Port of Rochester Terminal building. The contest is part of the Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park, a winter festival in which thousands of people participate in each year. The Chilly Chili Challenge attracts contestants from well-known local restaurants, caterers and food service operators, as well as, amateurs who cook and serve over 8,000 sample-sized portions of chili during the festival. There is no fee to enter the contest.

Contestants are judged on recipe creativity as well as presentation in the professional, amateur and “people’s choice” categories and are awarded cash prizes and trophies. Vegetarian chili is also welcomed and encouraged. Non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to compete, but must have access to a commercial kitchen and obtain a Temporary Food Service Permit from the Monroe County Health Department.

Interested participants must register for the Challenge by Feb. 3. Entry forms are available online, at www.cityofrochester.gov/wintercelebration and can be mailed or hand delivered to: Pam Bialaszewski, City of Rochester Bureau of Recreation, at 400 Dewey Ave., Rochester NY, 14613. Forms may also be faxed to 428-6021.

The Lakeside Winter Celebration is presented by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and is sponsored by the City of Rochester, Monroe County and Wegmans. For more information, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/wintercelebration or call 428-6755.

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.