Second chili cook-off scheduled for March

Chamber of Commerce to host competition, tasting

By Kaitlin Mayhew -- kmayhew@nvdaily.com

WOODSTOCK -- After a positive response to the first event, the Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host its second chili cook-off in March.

Jenna French, executive director of the Woodstock chamber, said she received a lot of calls following the first cook-off in November of 2010, asking if they were going to have it again.

"The demand is there," she said.

French explained that they didn't host it in the spring of 2011 because they were busy preparing for Autumn Fest.

But now, she said, they plan to make the chili cook-off an annual spring event.
This year, it will take place March 24 at the Bryce Resort restaurant.

The event will feature a chili cooking competition as well as tasting.

Those interested in testing their culinary prowess may register for one of the 25 competitor spots until March 10.

The registration forms are already available online at the chamber's website, www.woodstockvachamber.com.

A new competition at this year's event will be a log-splitting contest. Anyone interested in registering may sign up in advance as well.

"It's a very small competition, just eight competitors on a first-register, first-compete basis," French said.

Soon, registration forms for the log-splitting contest will be available online as well, but for now, anyone who wants to participate can contact French at 540-459-2542.

Beer and wine tastings also will be available as well as live acoustic entertainment by the Jerry Wimmer Experience.

In 2010, the event drew 126 guests. French said that this year they have worked with Bryce resort to reformat the layout to be able to accommodate more.

She said they will be able to have up to 175 this time.

Tickets are already available for sale on the chamber's website, or at its location at 103 S. Main St., Woodstock.

The tickets cost $20 or $15 after 8 p.m. for just the band.