Staff Report
Lindsay —
Lindsay’s annual “Chili Challenge” cookoff and auction ceremony, set for 6 p.m. Jan. 19 at Centennial Hall, is expected to fund the endeavors of local agriculture students.
Lindsay Youth Supporters (LYS) President Janice Williams said the 2012 event garnered more than $20,000, all of which aided exhibition projects at the annual Cooke County Youth Fair.
The money, she explained, provides a monetary bonus, or “premium,” toward animal showings or industrial craft projects presented by members of Lindsay 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).
“Of course, we’d love to exceed that,” Williams said Wednesday. “But with the economy now, we’re not sure, and we’d just love for people to attend and do what they can.”
Williams said the annual fundraiser began in 2008. Its format changed; the 2012 installment was the first year to allow multiple chili cooks and enable a competitive venue for them — offering more than 12 different chilis, rather than a limited variety.
“It was much easier to plan this year because we aren’t changing our format,” Williams said.
The ceremony on Jan. 19, is tentatively set to include a performance by Lindsay teenage band Laissez-Faire from 6 to 7 p.m., and a live and silent auction of items hosted by guest auctioneer Corgie Fisher. Items will include agricultural equipment, firewood, catered dinners and a special tour of the movie set of “One Heart,” a film scheduled for production in north Texas.
Another component of the ceremony is the “Chili Supper Star Award,” a special annual recognition that honors a key supporter. Williams said the recipient must remain unannounced, but added that 2012 winners were Doug and Tony Voth, organizers of the annual Lindsay Tractor Pull.
Their contribution remains vital, she said, since they allow youth groups to sell concessions at the tractor pull, which results in several thousand dollars profit toward LYS activities.
“That’s a big shot in the arm for us and we thank them for that opportunity,” Williams said.
Cookoff rules
Chili cooks representing themselves or an organization are invited to participate by sponsoring and preparing about four gallons of their best recipe and serving samples to the auction guests and buyers. Official judges consider the entries in a blind taste test. The guests also choose a crowd favorite recipe by donating loose change to jars identified with the chili cook's name. All proceeds from event will benefit members of the FFA, 4-H and FCCLA.
About Lindsay Youth Supporters
The work of LYS is directed by an advisory board that includes 13 Cooke County-area individuals who believe that young people improve their self confidence and gain valuable experience by undertaking a youth fair project, such as livestock, industrial arts or home arts. Youth representatives from 4-H, FFA and FCCLA also serve on the board as non-voting members.
For more information, call (940) 634-0928.
