Hickory – Mmmmmm…nothing quite hits the spot like a warm bowl of chili. Many people  may rely on chili to get them through the cold winter months, but we also venture into the light to some massive chili cook-off competitions against their family, friends, and co-workers  to see who reign chili supreme.

On Saturday, February 2, the 9th Annual Long View Drug Store Chili Cook-Off, hosted by the Long View Lions Club, will be held  in Long View Recreation Center, located at 3017 2nd Avenue, NW, Hickory.

Each contestant will be required to prepare a minimum of five quarts of chili to be eligible for judging. Chili cook-off contestants must cook their own chili and supply their own crock pot or hot plate. Contestants should arrive with their chili at Long View Recreation Center between 2pm to 2:45pm. Judging will begin at 3pm sharp. Each contestant will be given a description form to describe your chili ( heat, meat, with or without beans). Upon arrival each contestant will be issued a number a number to be displayed with your  each chili entry. This is to keep each chili recipe entry anonymous.

The event is sponsored by Long View Drug Store. The Long View Lions Club will be awarding the following prizes: 1st Place- $75; 2nd Place- $50; 3rd Place- $25.

The Long View Lions Club will be serving the chili and hot dogs along with corn bread or crackers and a soft drink for $7 including dessert; or children can have two hot dogs with chips and soft drink for $5.  Children under 5 free and children 12 and under $5.  Chili and hot dogs  will be served from 4pm to 6:30pm.

Entertainment will be provided by Hickory Public School’s Orchestra. Proceeds from the Long View Drug Store Chili Cook-off minus expenses  will benefit Southwest Primary School.

For more information and/or to receive an official application, please contact Lion Eric Killian @ 828-455-4936 or e-mail [email protected].  Application deadline is January 31st.