New Glasgow invites community to Chill Out

Competitive chili cooking is returning to New Glasgow.

The Fifth annual Chill Out, New Glasgow’s kickoff to winter carnival season is being held at the New Glasgow Farmers Market on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and competitors will have the chance to test their talents against their peers.

“The chili competition has kind of taken over the event,” said Paula Irving, special-events co-ordinator for the town of New Glasgow. “It’s a very fun competitive thing.”

Walk near the competition area the day of the event and you’ll have a chance to taste-test the chili and hear some banter between competitors. The competition this year will have five groups of competitors: firefighters, media, local chefs, NNEC vs. NRHS students and, for the second year, home cooks can enter the competition. Tasting for the competition starts at 11 a.m. with samples available of each competitor’s creation. The official people’s-choice winners will be announced at 12:45 p.m.

But that isn’t all that’s happening.

“There is fun and entertainment for all ages,” said New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks.

Other events include performances by local musicians, colouring, snowshoeing and a snowman-building zone, she said.

In addition to these activities, the New Glasgow Farmers Winter Market will once again be open for the season.

Free Tim Hortons hot chocolate and coffee will be available outside by the music tent.

Some events will be weather dependent, Irving said, but even if there’s no snow, they’ll make sure there are replacement activities for all ages to enjoy.