Ready for some fun and flavor?
The Chili, Chocolate, and Homebrew Challenge (CCHB) will be held Saturday, November 22, from 6:00-9:00. This family-friendly event was begun in 2008 as a way to stave off the winter doldrums by bringing the community together for some delicious food and drink, and raise funds at the same time. Originally held in January, CCHB never had to be canceled due to weather until a few years ago, but once is too many times! So, now we feast and fundraise in the fall. Come just to eat or come to compete for bragging rights and possibly one of the coveted green aprons for the best Chili, Chocolate (adult and children’s categories), or Homebrew at UUCDC. There is never a fee to enter the Challenge. Register here!
Never been to this event and curious about what to expect?
When you enter UUCDC on November 22, you’ll purchase your tasting tickets ($15 for 7 tickets for adults, $8 for 5 tickets for children 10 and under) and receive an event guide. Then, walk around the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall to choose from the wide variety of entries (vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are labeled) and give the contestants one ticket for a sample of Chili, Chocolate, or Homebrew. Help yourself to unlimited salad and cornbread, and pull up a chair to one of the many tables in the sanctuary or Fellowship Hall and enjoy! Soda is available for one ticket, and water is on all of the tables. Still hungry or thirsty? You can purchase additional tickets. You will also have the opportunity to buy tickets for raffle items from local businesses and tickets for a 50/50 run by and to benefit our youth.
Considering competing?
This is a low-fuss event- you do not need to be a professional chef to register. The emphasis is FUN and FESTIVE, with a little frivolity thrown in on the side. We are limited to 16 entries in each category, and have found that the event needs a minimum of 14 entries in each category to be a success. Each Chili contestant brings 2 quarts (more is encouraged) of chili in a crock-pot; each Chocolate contestant brings 1 very large tray (or more) of portioned samples; each Homebrewer brings the equivalent of two 6 packs (or more) of their beer. Entrants set up their stations between 5:00-5:45 on the day of the event. Contestants purchase their first batch of 7 tasting tickets for $10 as a thank you for entering. Judges are volunteers from the surrounding area and do not know who has created each entry. Prizes are awarded at the end of the evening. Register to compete here.
Volunteers also help make this event a success! If you have an hour or two to help, contact Kelli S., Janet B., Seneka L., or Keith M.
The Chili, Chocolate, and Homebrew Challenge is the church’s second-largest fundraiser (the Auction is the first).
Both members of UUCDC and the larger community are invited to compete and attend!
