Akron firefighters will once again throw down the ladle---er, uh---the gauntlet to police officers, Akron lawyers, and other contenders to see who can concoct the best chili in town during the 4th Annual Firefighter’s Chili Challenge, Friday, January 8 from 11:00am to 1:30 pm at Lock 3 on South Main Street in Downtown Akron.
The famous firehouse chili-makers square off against the City of Akron Police Department, the Akron Engineering Bureau and city’s Sewer Maintenance Division along with the Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) and Downtown law firms Roetzel & Andress and Brouse McDowell.
The annual event benefits Akron Children’s Hospital’s Burn Unit. The contest raised $2,000 in 2009 and since it began in 2007 has benefitted the Burn Unit with more than $5,000.
The team from Roetzel & Andress is offering its Stimulus Chili “some pork and lots of bull.” Akron police officers are bringing their Jailhouse Jerk Chili, and the Safety Ambassadors from DAP will compete with Take ‘Em Downtown Chili.
Of special interest this year is a wager between the two law firms. Brian Moore of Roetzel is betting Jeff Heintz - the managing partner of Brouse McDowel-l a $250 wager (for the benefit of Children’s) that in a blind taste test, Roetzel’s chili will again better the team from Brouse.
Five dollars buys chili eaters four tickets that can be used for four separate tastes or all four tickets can be used for a bowl of chili. Beer, soft drinks, water and coffee will also be available for purchase.
A panel of celebrity judges will decide the best of the bunch - Akron Beacon Journal Food Editor Lisa Abraham, WQMX morning show host Scott Wynn and Chef Louis Prpich, owner of the Chowder House Café. A People’s Choice award allows every chili customer to vote for the best chili recipe.
Lock 3, located at 200 South Main Street in Downtown Akron, is open through February 1 with skating at Ohio’s largest seasonal skating rink. With free admission and $2 skate rental, it is an affordable outing for anyone suffering from cabin fever. Lock 3 is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am – 9 pm (extended skating till 10pm Fridays and Saturdays) and Sundays from 11 am – 6 pm. On Monday, January 18- Martin Luther King Day - the rink is open from 11 am – 6 pm.
For a complete schedule of events at Lock 3 visit www.lock3live.comwww.lock3live.com or call the Lock 3 Park Information Desk at 330.375.2877.
