By Kacie Svoboda
On Saturday, Jan. 16, Hill City merchants will provide a way to warm up this January with the 2016 “Breakin’ the Winter Blues” Chili Cook-off. The approximate fifth annual observance of this event will offer homemade chili at participating locations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
“It’s planned in good fun to break up a cold winter’s day, giving people a chance to get out and enjoy our community and the businesses that make it a year-round place to visit,” explained 2016 event organizer Sheila Miller, manager of Twisted Pine Winery/Dakota’s Best Wine & Gifts.
As of Tuesday, 19 chilis were entered and event organizers were still receiving calls and would allow entries until scoring sheets were printed. This was slightly down from 2015’s chili cook-off where 23 pots of chili were available for sampling, with three merchants entering multiple recipes.
Tasters will have the opportunity to sample chili at no charge and choose the winners for the Best Red and Best White Chili categories. Tasters can pick up score sheets at all participating locations, which will have signs on their shops designating them as chili competitors.
“Each participating merchant has a unique flavor to tempt tasters with,” said Miller. “You will have to come out and taste for yourself to find which chili you think is truly special.”
Last year’s winner for best overall chili, The Alpine Inn, will return for this year’s competition — as will 2013 and 2014 winner Dawna Kruse, who will show off her chili at the Farmer’s Daughter and try to regain her title.
Winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. at the Twisted Pine Winery and will get a certificate proving their win and the bragging rights that come with it.
This event is sponsored and organized by Twisted Pine Winery/Dakota’s Best Wine & Gifts, Everything Prehistoric and Bloom. To sign up or for more information, contact Twisted Pine Winery at 574-2023.
“This is a free event to all who want to taste some homemade chili,” said Miller. “We invite everyone to explore our stores and enjoy our community.”