(Seguin) — A little friendly competition, a whole lot of chili will be served together this Thursday evening as the Veterans Outreach Center hosts its first community chili cook-off.
The free event is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Veterans Outreach Center. The public is invited to sample chili recipes prepared by local first responders and veteran service organizations.
Nancy Russell, veterans services director, says the cook-off is designed to bring the community together while recognizing the men and women who serve both in uniform and through military service.
“There are plenty of reasons to come to this event. It’s a chili cookoff and we hope to make this an annual event. What we’re wanting to do is have the public, the civilians come out and show support and honor our first responders and veterans and also for veterans to come out just for camaraderie. Also, we’re having a lot of our local service organizations, veteran organizations, the sheriff’s department will be there — fire departments, police department — they are the ones who are in the competition. They are presenting their best recipe,” said Russell.
A total of 12 agencies have already entered the competition. Russell says it will be the attendees who will get to taste the different recipes located throughout the outside patio and cast their votes.
“And all of the people who attend are going to be the judges. And so, it’s a people’s choice. And we’re giving three awesome trophies and, you know, there’s a lot of competition among these people. So, we’re hoping people come out. The weather is not going to be a problem. We have plenty of indoor space in case it keeps raining, but I think it’s going to be dry,” said Russell.
In addition to the chili tasting, guests can enjoy music, door prizes and an opportunity to tour the Veterans Outreach Center. Visitors can also learn more about the programs, services and resources available to veterans and their families throughout Guadalupe County.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Veterans Outreach Center is located at 205 E. Weinert St.