The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Chili cookoff festival benefits veterans
MIDDLETOWN — Families, foodies, chili enthusiasts and supporters of Connecticut veterans from throughout the state are expected to descend upon Harbor Park in Middletown on Sunday, May 6, for the “Rolling on the River” Chili Cookoff, featuring dozens of competitors, music, entertainment and family fun for all.
Net proceeds from the event, co-sponsored by the City of Middletown and officially sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS), will benefit two Connecticut veterans causes, the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial in Middletown and House of Heroes Connecticut.
“We are thrilled to partner with the City of Middletown and International Chili Society to bring this fun competition and family-friendly event to the Connecticut River,” said Connecticut Trees of Honor President Sue Martucci, event organizer. “This is the first time this type of world-class chili competition event will take place at Harbor Park and we’re anticipating a large crowd for a great day of food and fun, all for wonderful causes.”
Martucci said it is likely that some of New England’s top chili cooks will be competing. Many will be in the area for the ICS’s New England Regional Chili Cook-off on Saturday, May 5, in Somers.
The Middletown event will take place rain or shine from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. In addition to dozens of competitor tables offering tasting samples, the event will feature music (DJ JP of The Hartford Connection as well as the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords performing Broadway tunes), entertainment (karate, cardio and a variety of dance demonstrations), children’s activities (bounce house, ice skating at the City of Middletown’s year-round rink) and more. iHeart Media Communities’ and The River 105.9 radio personality Renee DiNino will be on hand from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and there will be a “Meet Sgt. Stubby” tent and photo-op banner for children of all ages.
Admission is $8 for adults and youths age 12 and above; $5 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and younger. All paid attendees will be provided tasting cups and can sample the chilis, then vote for their favorites, and be eligible for a discounted beer at The Canoe Club tent adjacent to the Chili Cook-Off grounds.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring a canned food item benefitting Amazing Grace Food Pantry, Middletown.
Registration remains open for chili cooks (including ICS members and non-members) to compete in a variety of chili categories, including People’s Choice, Traditional Red, Chili Verde and Salsa. Monetary awards will be presented to the winners.
Sponsors and supporters of the Rolling on the River Chili Cook-Off include Middlesex Hospital; The Mattabesett Canoe Club; Connecticut Rental Center; Lawn Doctor of Middletown-Essex; O’Rourke’s Diner; Veterans of Korea, Vietnam and Saudi Wars, Connecticut Chapter 1; Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA; Marine Corps League, Peter P. Monaco Jr. Detachment 40; Megson, Heagle & Friend; Goodwin College; Peter Gladis Consulting; Clear River Fuel Oil; Dennis Buden Public Relations; and Nutmeg Printing. iHeart Media Communities and The Middletown Press are official media sponsors.
Martucci emphasized that in addition to cooks, the event continues to welcome additional sponsors, vendors and volunteers. Information is available at www.rollingontheriver.com.