Poultney to crown Vermont chili champion

The Poultney Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual chili cook-off is the main event in town on Saturday, Sept. 29, but there are a lot of events going on besides the cooking.

More than 25 chili artists are expected bring at least five gallons of chili for the event, which goes on rain or shine.

Cooking begins at 8 a.m., music starts at 10 a.m., and tasting runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission for tasters is $8 and includes a tasting cup and samples of all the chili available.

Among the cooks, the overall winner will take home $300 and will claim the title of “Vermont Chili Champion.” The second-place finisher gets $250.

There will be $100 prizes for best chili by popular vote, best student chili and best vegetarian chili. The best theme booth will get $50.

A silent auction will be held as part of the chili cook-off.

Those interested in donating to the silent auction should call Valerie Broughton at 802-236-2790.

There is no charge for entering your chili. To register for the cook-off or to get more information, please call 802-287-9987.

Also downtown

The cook-off is just part of a full day of events in downtown Poultney, and the day does get going early.

Registration for the Poultney Rotary Chili Cook-Off 5K Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. at The Station, corner of Main and Depot streets in Poultney. The race, which costs $15, starts at 9 a.m. The race is free to those 10 and younger. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, male and female. Information: www.poultneyvt.com.

The Poultney Public Library at 205 Main St. will hold a book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day. New, used and rare books will be offered. For information, call 802-287-5556 or visit www.poultneypubliclibrary.com.

The Vermont Farmers’ Market Poultney fall craft and food fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, at GMC

Green Mountain College will be hosting its annual alumni/family weekend, and some events are open to the public.

There will be an ultimate Frisbee tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.at the Back Athletic Fields.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the athletic field and Bogue Lawn, there will also be more ultimate Frisbee, rugby and quidditch.

In a more-traditional sport, the GMC volleyball team will host the North Atlantic Conference volleyball tournament, beginning at noon in Waldron Gym. The Eagles play at noon and 6 p.m.

There will be a wide variety of other presentations and events going on all day at the college, including “Movies of the Decades,” a talk on women in science and research, a guided nature walk, and an historical tour of Main Street

At 5:30 p.m., artist-in-residence Erica Lawlor Schmidt will complete her residency with a dynamic group performance piece in Ackley Theater.

For further information on these events, contact Lisa Perry in the student life office at 802-287-8377 or email her at [email protected].