Four teams will put their chili recipes to the test Friday to guarantee a heat wave for the 138th annual Arbor Day celebration.
The Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department, hosts for the 5:30 p.m. competition, is expected to enter its prize-winning recipe that dates back to the 1930s.
“You can bet the firehouse chili will set off some alarms,” said Rose Ralstin of Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce.
Ralstin said NCTC will also be competing, but promised to offer a recipe that is mild enough to be called family friendly.
She said hotdogs and chilidogs will also be available as a Relay for Life fundraiser.
Also competing are Talmage Rescue and Union Pacific.
The event at the firehouse will follow the community tree planting at Wildwood Wood Park. Entertainment includes the Northside Elementary School Choir, an Arbor Day skit performed by middle school students and singing by Belles-A-Peelin’.
There are several changes for the chili cook-off from its inaugural year in 2009. There is a “bottomless bowl” for the cost of $6 for adults and $4 for kids. However, there is a $1 discount for people who bring their own bowl and table service.
“This is really multi-tasking. You can help Relay for Life, help the environment by saving on bowls and celebrate Arbor Day,” Ralstin said.
Judges for the chili cook-off will select the best hot and spicy chili and the best alternative chili. There will also be a people’s choice award.
Another change this year is giving contestants a 6x6 foot table area to decorate with a theme.
