Organizers expect thousands to attend annual October event
By Martial Haprov
EDITOR
A distinct change in the weather has been, for the last dozen years, one way to know that the Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner.
And last weekend’s daytime high temperatures that narrowly topped the mid-70s seemed to be perfectly timed with the official announcement of the 13th annual cook-off, which is set to take place Oct. 18.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Apple Valley in conjuction with the town of Apple Valley, world-class cooks from the Western United States will converge on Lenny Brewster Sports Center to compete for a place in the World Chili Championship.
The cook-off, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, annually draws thousands to the town — many who cook, and many more who have a hankering for a tasting.
While more than 40 professional cooks will be conjuring up their competition mixes, a community category will open to local residents which taste-testers can vote on throughout the day.
Additional food vendors, spaces for which are now full, will be on hand, as well as a beer garden. Organizers say there is still room for retail vendors and information booths at the event.
Admission into the event, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is $5 per person and includes a tasting kit and ballots to vote for the People’s Choice category. Attendees ages 10 and under enter for free if not tasting.
According to event organizers, the best chili selection is typically available between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
An expanded Fall Festival area for families will once again this year feature inflatables and “Paint A Truck,” where kids of all ages can take a paintbrush to an actual pick-up truck.
The popular horseshoe tournament and live music will also return.
The Happy Trails Chili Cook-Off is the largest annual fundraiser for the Apple Valley Rotary Club, last year surpassing $143,000 in a running total over 12 years, according to organizers.
Lenny Brewster Sports Center is at 21024 Otoe Road. For more information, visit www.HappyTrails