Chili cook-off benefits Roosevelt County Health Council

Cooks, get out your chili powder and heat up the stove.

Chili fans, grab a spoon and a glass of milk to cool your tongue.

The Portales Senior Citizens Inc. annual Chili Cook-off Contest is back.

The fundraiser lets local chefs enter their chili for judging. Then, chili fans can try out the entries.

This year, proceeds are earmarked for the Roosevelt County Health Council.

“It’s a fun evening,” Portales Senior Citizens President Miriam Welker said.

Welker, also a member of the health council, said Portales Senior Citizens would match the proceeds from the cook-off to give to the council.

Health council coordinator Cindy Stockwell said she thought it was fantastic that senior citizens were supporting her organization.

“We have such a limited budget that any proceeds go straight back into the community,” she said.

The council helps fund teen programs, emergency preparedness and flu shots.

Would-be competitors should bring a slow cooker of chili to the Senior Citizens Center by 5:30 p.m. Monday. Judging starts at 6 p.m.

The contest brings in a variety of chili from mild to hot. Welker said she would try to mark the hot versions as a warning for gourmets with a taste for milder versions.

Last year, the cook-off saw 15 to 18 batches of chili, she said, and some people can’t wait for this year’s event.

“They say they make the hottest chili in the world,” Welker continued.

People who come to eat can sample different pots of chili, and hot dogs, fixings, desserts and coffee, tea and water are also to be available.

“And so if people don’t like chili or bring their kids, they can have hot dogs instead of chili,” Welker said.

Plaques are available for the winners of the cook-off, and Welker plans to give away door prizes of ceramics and blankets made by senior citizens

Fast Facts

What: Chili Cook-off Contest

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Portales Senior Center, 421 N. Industrial Drive

Cost: To compete, no entry fee. To eat, $4 per person or $10 per family.

Proceeds to: Roosevelt County Health Council

Information: Portales Senior Center at 356-8741 or Senior Center Director Dawn Kryder at 356-2813.