January 10, 2018 at 4:12 p.m.
Firefighters to compete in chili feed challenge
Firefighters to compete in chili feed challenge
Brought about by increased costs associated with keeping rescue equipment up to date, the fire department in Little Rice will host a chili feed fundraiser, but with a twist.
Where in the past, cooks have come in, prepared food and left or competed for awards, this gathering will see firefighters from - as of press time - departments in Minocqua, Woodruff, Hazelhurst, Arbor Vitae and Little Rice battle it out for public approval of their culinary creations.
Little Rice Fire Chief Scott Pockat said he came up with the idea for the event out of a desire to create new experiences and pay homage to the historical legacy of larger regional departments.
"We felt doing a chili feed in this manner would be something different," he said. "In addition, as I was going through the history and learning some of the background in the fire industries, a lot of the Chicago fire departments, the bigger city fire departments, were always recognized by their chili. Who had the best, the 'five alarm fire chili', etc."
For $5, those who choose to attend the gathering will be issued a bowl and allowed to sample as much of the offered products as they wish. Then, at the end of the evening, they'll vote on the best offering from the various departments - other awards are judged by a trio - to receive the "people's choice" award.
Though the feed is expected to raise enough money for the department to spend on new equipment and resources, this is not really the main motivation for Pockat. As he put it, it's more about giving back to the public.
"Our last picnic was roughly, after all the bills were paid, I want to say we roughly raised $8,000," Pockat said. "So we're trying to recoup some extra costs for equipment we need to upgrade, but for one, we're trying to give something to the community here for a low cost."
If you'd like to know more about the event, additional information can be found on the Facebook page of the Little Rice Fire Department or by searching for "1st Annual Fire House Chili Feed Challenge" on the same website.
Evan J. Pretzer may be reached via email at [email protected].
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