By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Firefighters are stereotypically known for being masters chefs of two specific dishes — barbecue and chili — and members of the Caribou Fire and Ambulance think that their chili recipe is one of the best out there, period.
Backing up their claim, they’re challenging everyone near and far to a chili cook-off on Friday, August 10 — even their fellow Aroostook County Fire Departments.
White chicken chili, Mexican-style chili, hot and spicy chili, vegetarian chili — the more the merrier, and the more diverse the better.
Organizer Danny Raymond, Caribou Firefighter and Paramedic, is hoping that at least 15-20 chili chefs cook up some competition; aside from bragging rights and the chance to win an iconic trophy, proceeds from the cook-off will benefit the Caribou FFA team, who earned the opportunity to compete in Nationals this year on Indianapolis, IN.
Determining which chili is the best will be left to local taste buds.
For $5, individuals will receive an opportunity to taste each different chili and record their deliciousness data on an official judging form; the top-voted chili will become the chili champion of 2012, and the entry fee to serve up a best-recipe dish is $10.
The top three placing chilis will receive trophies, as will the very best chili cooked up from all the entering fire departments — as it will be a traveling trophy, competition is expected to be fierce as the firefighters bring their “A” game.
Held in conjunction with the Caribou Cares About Kids festivities, there’s more to the savory cook-off than competition — trophies will also be given for the “best” dressed and the best decorated cooking area.
Rumor even has it that a certain high-ranking member of the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department will be vying for the best dressed award and plans to sport a fashionable pink tutu during the cook-off.
Tasting booths will open at 4 p.m. on Aug. 10, and chefs will begin preparing their dishes as early as noon.
As each chili contestant must make a minimum of two gallons of chili, the judging portion of the cook off should run from 4-7 p.m.
While chili cook-off proceeds will benefit the Caribou FFA team, the FFA team will be holding its own chili-related food booth fundraiser, serving up French fries (which can be easily converted into chili fries).
Similarly, the members of the CERTS team will be fundraising with a hotdog roast which also can be creatively turned into chili-dogs through participation in the chili contest.
To register or for additional information, Raymond can be reached by calling 551-3832.
