Competition heats up for the Chilirhea chili cookoff

The competition is heating up for the Chilirhea cookoff March 10. Forty local professional and amateur chefs will square off to create their best chili concoctions on site. Then a panel of 12 judges will taste and vote. Judges will award prizes for best chili and best execution of this year’s western theme. A People’s Choice Award will go to the chili maker who receives the most votes — in the form of $1 tokens — from event guests The 13th annual benefit looks to be the largest yet, and organizers have moved the festivities to the Washington County Fairgrounds. The location affords the group the opportunity to add features such as a kids’ zone with pony rides and a petting zoo. The afternoon event will benefit at the STOPAlzheimers Campaign at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Arkansas and the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation. “Basic science research at the Reynolds Institute focuses on the microbiological mechanisms that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia,” according to the institute’s website. Alzheimer’s Arkansas’ mission is “to provide the information and support needed, so that all Arkansans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are able to live with dignity and comfort until a cure is found.” The Broyles Foundation offers family and other Alzheimer’s caregivers resources such as training, education counseling and support groups.

Courtesy photo Judges test chilies at a past Chilirhea chili contest and fundraiser. The 13th annual event will be March 10 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville.