Chili Bowl back to aid Independence Place

Independence Place of Alabama is bringing back its Super Chili Bowl this month. Local four-person teams will be making gallons of chili for judges and visitors to sample.

The event is Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with public sampling beginning at noon and the award ceremony at 2:30. Held at the Trussville Civic Center, the chili bowl is a chance for light-hearted competition and the chance to support the work of Independence Place, which assists people with special needs and their families.

“Our goal with this event is two-fold. Of course, we would love to raise a large portion of our annual operating cost to run the program for our participants and we also want to involve the community in our program in a meaningful way, while providing a fun atmosphere for everyone who wants to participate or attend,” said Carrie Jones, who is helping to coordinate the event.

In addition to chili, there will also be a hamburger booth selling $5 meals and a dessert booth.

Chili teams will be competing for a variety of honors, including best booth, best costume and people’s choice, voted on by members of the public. Trophies will be given for the Grand Champion chili and the second and third place recipes, which will be voted on by judges based on taste, texture, consistency, blend, aroma and color.

Tickets to sample chili are $5, and children 5 and under are admitted free. Purchase tickets at the door or online at trussvillechili.org.