The Greenfield Chili Cook-Off is returning after two years away due to the pandemic, this time to help fundraise for the Meeting House.
It will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the Meeting House.
“The chili cook-off started a long time ago,” said Linda Dodge, one of the organizers of the upcoming event, which will be put on by the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meetinghouse.
Dodge said that after a while, when the people who typically put the event on began to age out, younger people started to step up — just before the pandemic began.
“We didn’t have it for two years, and now we’re trying to get that going again,” she said.
The cook-off was originally scheduled to be held in February, in conjunction with the town’s winter carnival, which was called off in part due COVID-19 concerns.
“That didn’t pan out, so we wanted to still have the chili cook-off and try to get that back on the schedule of everybody’s minds,” said Dodge. “Hopefully, people will come.”
So far, Dodge said they have 18 people signed up to bring chilis, nearly meeting the limits of the space. To support the fundraising to restore the Meeting House, those who attend will be asked to donate in order to enter.
“We’re hoping that people will donate whatever they can afford,” said Dodge.
Once inside, attendees will get a tray and a ballot to vote on their favorite chilis. Winning chilis will receive prizes, which will be gift cards to the Locals Cafe.
Since the cook-off will be held the day after Earth Day, organizers are also trying to center recyclable and reusable items, including using wooden spoons and other sustainable materials.
For information, visit the Friends of the Greenfield Community Meetinghouse Facebook page.