Community Corner
Chili Cook-off Heats Up Oak Forest High School
Chefs show off the best—and hottest—chili recipes in town.
Do you make the best chili around? Prove it! Put your chili where their mouths are. The Oak Forest High School Music Boosters challange you to a cook-off.
The scent of chili will waft through from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 13, with ladles drawn and crockpots sizzling.
Attendees can sample a variety of chilis made by local Oak Forest chefs while enjoying entertainment by the Oak Forest High School music department. Michelle Sowa of the OFHS Music Boosters said to expect a wide variety of music during the event.
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“The jazz band, choir and other groups will perform,” Sowa said. “I know my daughter, who is in the madrigal choir, will sing a couple 'Lady Gaga' songs.”
The boosters said the cook-off has been successful in the past, with almost 25 amateur chefs debuting chili every year. This year won't be any different.
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If you’re interested in showcasing your chili recipe registration fee is $20 and all you have to do is bring your pre-made chili in a crock pot, and a poster with your written ingredients.
Leave the rest to the boosters. They'll provide tasting bowls, spoons, and judging ballots.
Local celebrities will judge the chili along with everyone who attends the cook off. Michelle Marvin, of the OFHS Music Boosters, gathered the celebrity judges this year. Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa will judge, along with local restaurant owners and managers, Ken Keeler of Kenootz Pizza, John Nagele of Nagele Bakery Systems and Sarah Roth of Chili’s.
First prize winner receives $250, 2nd prize receives $100 and 3rd prize, $50. The popular vote winner will receive a plaque and a “surprise gift,” said Marvin.
Proceeds will benefit the OFHS Music Department. Sowa and Marvin said the money will help offset costs for field-trips, rental of buses, camps, uniforms and more.
“Come out and support the kids,” said Sowa. “There are a lot of gifted kids and the proceeds will help the teachers expose students to the arts.”
Admission to the event is $5. To enter your chili in the contest or to purchase tickets call Michelle Sowa at (708) 535-3239 or e-mail michellewho@att.net
