Cookers Wanted!

Douglasville, Georgia – The Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville/Douglas County announces the 19th annual Chili Cook Off at O’Neal Plaza is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th, 2015 from 6 until 9 p.m. Last year more than 3,000 people joined in this festive evening of good food, fun and entertainment as many local Douglasville celebrities presented the community with different flavors of chili. In 2014 Douglasville Mayor Harvey Persons, County Coroner Randy Daniel and other local politicians, both political parties and many candidates, and local businesses including Gold’s Gym, BB&T Bank and Miller Hightower competed to determine the best of the best chili in Douglasville. Organizations, businesses and individuals who want to cook chili in the Halloween-themed event should contact the Cultural Arts Council - 770-949-ARTS (2787) or cultureom@earthlink.net.

The fee as a chili cooker is $100; tables can be shared but only one cooker per booth will be listed on the program and only one chili can be submitted to compete for prizes. Booth spaces are limited, so checks (made payable to: CAC) and registrations forms should be sent in as early as possible. The deadline is October 1, 2015. Chili cookers can also register and pay online through the CAC website, artsdouglas.org. Booths will only be assigned when the full fee has been paid.

Cookers are asked to bring a minimum of eight (8) gallons of chili, heated and ready to serve, in crock pots or in a pot. Last year the “Most Sold” winner was Brain Fortner. There will also be awards for the “Best Tasting” chili (which was won by Gold’s Gym in 2014), and the “Best Presentation” for the most creatively decorated booth (won by Mark Adams in 2014). Winner of the Most Sold will be notified by phone and announced in our local newspapers in the week after the Cook Off.

In the spirit of the season, there will also be a Children’s Halloween Costume Contest. All children wearing costumes receive goody bags, and adults can plan to join the family fun of the annual downtown costume party. Celebrity judges will select winners from various age groups, and each child in costume will receive a goody bag.

“We are pleased to have John Bleakley Ford return as Lead Sponsor this year, joined by Georgia Power and DC Rogue Runners as sponsors for our 2015 Chili Cook Off,” said Executive Director, Davina Grace Hill. “Their generosity and love for the arts is, and will be, much appreciated by the Cultural Arts Council and the community we serve.” The 2015 Chili Cook Off is chaired by CAC board members, Tamara Manny and Sid Miller whose goal is to make this the best Chili Cook Off ever held in Douglasville.

Proceeds benefit exhibitions and classes at the Cultural Arts Council, educational programs in our schools, and the CAC’s popular spring and fall concerts series, also presented on O’Neal Plaza in Douglasville’s historic downtown. Plans are to have great weather, lots of chili eaters and great fun again this year!