ST. PAUL – There’s going to be plenty of opportunities to feast on during rodeo week in St. Paul, without obliterating the wallet.
The well known annual Chili Cook-off hosted by Cornerstone Co-op is back again. The cook-off is scheduled for Aug. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The cook-off has been a staple of rodeo week for many years. It is also one of the biggest annual events held by the Co-op. While it is a food event, it is also a fundraiser. This year, proceeds from the cook-off will go to the St. Paul Gymnastics Club, says Madisyn Chase, marketing and community engagement coordinator with Cornerstone Co-op.
As the name implies, the event is a battle for supremacy. Pitting local businesses and organizers against one another to see who can make the best and boldest chili that reigns above all.
Teams are often composed of two to five individuals. “[The cook-off] is open to anyone. We have community groups, businesses, individuals,” explains Chase. In previous years, municipalities have also sent teams to participate.
For those wanting to try their mettle in the biggest annual chili competition in St. Paul, they can reach out to the Co-op at 780-853-6732.
When the clock strikes 11 a.m., the judgment comes. The public is welcome to see who wins, Chase says.
“Chili is served to the public at 11:30 a.m.,” she adds. And with a minimum donation of $5, you can get “as much chili as you would like.”
While eating chili, live country-rock music from the Southern Cross Band will also be part of the afternoon. Chase says the band hails from Vilna.
Pancake Breakfast
In addition to the chili cook-off, Cornerstone Co-op is also holding its “Famous Rodeo Pancake Breakfast” on Aug. 31 from 8 to 10 a.m., says Chase. It takes place before the rodeo parade starts.
The breakfast costs $5 each and proceeds will go to the People’s Museum Society.
“It’s a great start to the morning... they get pancakes and sausages,” Chase says. “It’s a really good breakfast and it supports a great cause.”
More food
Many other groups are also providing food opportunities, including Servus Credit Union’s “Burgers-on-the-Grill" on Aug. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Proceeds of that meal will go to Haying in the 30’s.
ATCO Electric is also holding its 27th Pancake Breakfast on Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with proceeds going to the M.D. of St. Paul Foundation.
And on Aug. 30, the Legion Pancake Breakfast will be held at the Legion Hall from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., then the public can check out the Legion’s barbecue for lunch at St. Paul Home Hardware between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Later that afternoon, the Town of St. Paul and County of St. Paul will be hosting a “$3 Beef-on-a-Bun Supper” at the Recreation Centre.
On Aug. 31, a Ukrainian lunch is being served at the Recreation Centre. It’s $20 a plate, or $10 for kids. Hot dogs are $5.
