Chattanooga Friends will present its first ever Chili Cook-Off on Friday, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Miller Plaza. Teams from local companies, restaurants, and nonprofits will compete to win prizes for the best chili in Chattanooga.
Guests will purchase a “bottomless bowl” for $5 which they can fill with tastes from each team. They will then vote on a “People’s Choice” award during the event. A panel of judges will also choose a team to receive “Chattanooga’s Best Chili” award.
The event will also feature a dunk tank, where dunkees from nonprofit partners will take the plunge.
The Chili Cook-Off coincides with PARK(ing) Day, an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks. Last year on PARK(ing) Day, more than 60 metered parking spaces around Chattanooga, with many downtown near Miller Plaza, were set aside for six hours and reclaimed as public spaces to help people have fun.
Chattanooga Friends is accepting team entries starting at just $250, and sponsorship opportunities are available. This event is ideal for companies looking for a fun team-building activity. Large companies may even choose to field multiple teams to compete against each other for the most popular chili.
Proceeds will benefit Siskin Children's Institute, Northside Neighborhood House, Boys and Girls Club and Little Miss Mag Early Learning Center.
Chattanooga Friends is a nonprofit group that provides Chattanoogans opportunities to meet new people, make new friends, and become involved in the community while making a difference in the lives of children and families in the greater Chattanooga area.