The South Salem Presbyterian Church will hold its Chip Andrus Chili Cook-Off from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.5, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter’s Longest Day fundraiser. The church is located at 111 Spring St.
“The South Salem Presbyterian Church and the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley share the goal of caring for our neighbors in times of need,” said Robyn Musicant, who is organizing the event along with Kaitlin and Martin Watkins. “Our annual Chili Cook-Off was a fantastic event that brought the community together to celebrate good food and increase awareness of Alzheimer’s services in our area.”
The competition will include multiple chili divisions as well as mac and cheese this year. For the chili, there will be the following categories: Red (beef or pork-based chili) or white (chicken/turkey/vegetarian-based chili) and first-responders (Fire Department, Police Department, Ambulance Corps or State Police).
“We usually have 30 or so Chili entries,” Musicant said, “and we are continuing our new Mac & Cheese divisions as well. In the past, we’ve had well over 150 Chili tasters.”
There is no entry fee to participate in the competition. Tasters will pay a $20 fee to sample the offerings and vote for their favorites, with Taster’s Choice awards presented based on popular vote. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. The entry deadline will be Friday, Nov. 4.
Judges will present gold, silver, bronze awards to red, white and first responders. Tasters Choice awards will be presented to first through fifth place in the chili and first-responder categories.
Various side dishes and kid-friendly foods and deserts will also be provided by Jimmy The Baker, famous for his Crumb Cake and other scrumptious baked goods on QVC. Event sponsors include The Horse & Hound Inn, Cross River Wine Merchant, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Sprout Creek Bakery and North East Preferred Contracting.
The event, which is held in memory of the church’s former pastor Rev. Dr. Chip Andrus, was last held in 2019 but put on hold during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Chili Cook-Off was near and dear to his heart, because we bring the entire community together for delicious food, warm friendship, laughter and music. As Chip always said, ‘Everyone is always welcome here.’ ” said event organizer Robyn Musicant.
The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, which will receive 25 percent of the money raised, will have an information table at the event where people can learn about the disease, the latest research advances in treating it, and the many programs and services the Association offers to help families living with dementia.
“We are committed to teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley every year until there is a cure,” Musicant said.
Anyone who has questions about the Cook-Off is asked to email sspcchilicookoff@gmail.com with questions.
Funds raised went to the Association’s The Longest Day fundraiser, in which participants choose an activity – biking, hiking, playing bridge, swimming, knitting and more – to shine a light on the 5.7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and the more than 16 million family members and friends providing care and support. On the actual longest day, the summer solstice on June 21, all their efforts are celebrated in honor of the long days spent by caregivers of those with dementia. Learn more at alz.org/tld.
