Chili cook-off to benefit children set for Saturday

Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 23, 2019

There is still time to sign up and participate in the 10th Annual Chili for Children Cook-Off.

“We take teams all the way up until the start time. We don’t deter any team from coming, so they can show up the day of,” Sabrina Lynn said.

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Lynn is station manager for The Radio People, sponsor for the annual event that benefits the Vicksburg-Warren County Children’s Shelter.

The cook-off is scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday outside Lady Luck Casino arena, and those competing in the competition can begin setting up at 7 a.m.

As of Monday, Lynn said 20 teams had signed up to compete.

The cost to enter the cook-off is $50 per team, which includes up to four team members, Lynn said. For any additional teams there is an added $10 fee per person. The entry fee includes a 10-by-20 space, spoons, napkins and sample cups.

Tables and electricity are not provided.

Competitors are asked to prepare 10 gallons of chili and judging will begin at noon.

Lynn said the first place winner of the competition will take home a cash prize of $200 and a trophy; second place $100 and a trophy and third $50 and a trophy. 

And serving as judges will be Vicksburg Fire Chief Craig Danczyk, Vicksburg Police Chief Milton Moore and Youth Court Judge Marcie Southerland.

“We also give prizes for the best decorated booth and a People’s Choice Award,” Lynn said, adding “This way the public can vote on their favorite chili.”

For those interested in going to the Chili cook-off, admission is $10 and free for ages 10 and younger.

The cost covers all the chili sampling you can eat, Lynn said, and there will be a free kid zone, which will include face painting, inflatables and games.

“This year we are also bringing back the beer trailer,” Lynn said.

Slap happy, DJ Burks and DJ Shaggy will be on site providing live entertainment, and raffle tickets for a chance to win a Microsoft Surface Go tablet will be available for purchase.

“Last year we raised $13,400 for the children’s shelter,” Lynn said and are hoping to increase that amount this year.

For more information on the event, call 601-636-2340.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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