BBQ Competition Joins Chili Cook-off in Palos Park Festival

What has been an eight-year-long tradition in 's Autumn in the Park Festival will be paired with a new, tasty contest.

The committee behind the fall festival is looking for barbecue and chili cooks to for two foodie events—the 8th Annual Chill Cook-off and the 1st Annual BBQ Rib Competition on Sept. 15.

Those interested in either competition need to sign up by 5 p.m. Aug. 31.

Chili is serious business in Palos Park. The festival cook-off is sanctioned by both the International Chili Society and the Chili Appreciation Society International. (That's right, there are two international chili organizations. Who knew?) Festival-goers will get the chance to vote for their favorite in the People' Choice Competition. Contestants can compete in three different competitions with trophies and prizes of up to $200 given out to the winners in the top 3 spots of each category.

Applications are available at the Palos Park website in the Autumn In the Park Festival section. Interested cooks can call Sally Kinney at 708-671-3705 or go to the Village Hall, 8999 W. 123rd St. during regular business hours and fill out an application.

What if you can't cook chili but you love to eat? Judges are wanted for both the chili and barbecue competitions.

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