Registration open for this year’s chili and chowder cook-off
ALPENA, Mich. — Registration has just opened for the sixth annual chowder and chili cook off, hosted by the Downtown Development Authority. Last year twelve registrants competed, and the DDA is looking to get 15 to 20 this year.
This is a chance to show off your chili concoctions, and for businesses to display their products. Executive director of the DDA, Anne Gentry, says anyone can participate. “It’s open to any individual, business, restaurant, non–profit, or team group, as long as it’s prepared in a commercial kitchen,” she said. “We have a few other requirements too, like how much to prepare, what you need to bring, and all that good stuff.” Prize money is available for competitors, including for best in show, best chowder, best chili, most creative recipe, and most spirited booth.
About 350 tasters took part in last year’s cook off. It will be $10 per taster this year, but chowder and chili won’t be all that is available at the event. Gentry said, “”As long as the weather cooperates, we’ll be hosting it outdoors this year. We’ll have music, and a bar for beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.”
You can find the application online, here. To enter the competition, send in the application along with the $25 fee to the DDA at 124 E. Chisolm St., Alpena. You can also email Anne Gentry at Anneg@alpena.mi.us.
