As the chill of winter settles over the city, Mentor residents are gearing up for something that promises to be hot, literally and figuratively. The Mentor Chill Out, a family-friendly event scheduled for January 18, will warm up the community at Mentor Civic Center Park from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM with various activities, including the much-anticipated Chilly Cook-Off.
The call for chefs to participate in this culinary battle has gone out, and with bragging rights on the line, the competition is heating up. According to the City of Mentor, amateur and professional cooks alike are encouraged to bring their best recipes to compete for titles like People’s Choice, Judge’s Choice, and Most Festive Display. The contest, which is part of the festivities from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, will have community members and local dignitaries alike deciding who among the participants will have the honor to be known as the 2025 Mentor Chilly Chili Champion.
Competitors are asked to contribute 2 to 3 gallons of their best chili and are welcome to provide toppings and chips to complement their dishes. Participants are encouraged to bring a creative flair to their displays to create a festive mood at the tables, which they will decorate themselves. Spaces for aspiring chili masters are limited, and with only 12 spots up for grabs, it's a first come, first serve affair. The event promises a blend of good food and friendly rivalry in a winter wonderland setting.
Anticipating the wintry weather, the event will be held outdoors, and participants are advised to come prepared. Each will be provided with essentials such as a canopy, table, chairs, electricity, sample cups, and spoons. The setup kicks off at 11:00 AM with contestants expected to be ready to woo judges and the public with their savory concoctions by 12:45 PM, all the while a nearby drop-off point will facilitate their logistics.
To grab a spot in the competition or for more details, Dave Duricky is the key contact at (440) 974-5727 or [email protected].
