(City of Akron) - The 14th Annual Firefighters’ Chili Challenge, sponsored by the City of Akron, will take place at Lock 3 on Friday, February 21st. Chili will be served starting at 11AM and go until 1PM or until the chili runs out, whichever comes first. Awards take place at 1PM.
Each year, Akron firefighters issue the challenge to see who can create the best chili, which is served to downtown employees and visitors. Some chili variations are traditional, while other teams set themselves apart with distinct flavors and ingredients. Tickets for six samples of chili are $10. Individual chili samples are available for $2. Beverages are also available for $2. All proceeds benefit Akron Children’s Hospital Burn Institute.
“I look forward to the Chili Challenge every year and tasting the newest flavor combinations and traditional recipes served by our various competitors,” Mayor Horrigan said. “I encourage everyone to come to Lock 3, enjoy some delicious home-cooked food, and join in the friendly competition in support of Akron Children’s Hospital. May the best chili win!”
The 2020 competitors include the Akron Fire Department, The Akron Police Department, the City of Akron Human Resources Department, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, Judge Joy Malek Oldfield of the Summit County Common Pleas Court, and the City of Akron Office of Integrated Development. Teams will be competing for Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice, and the Joe Smith Spirit Award. The Joe Smith Spirit Award was created in honor of Detective Joe Smith, an active supporter and participant in previous chili challenges, who passed away in 2014.
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