Who would have guessed that chili and chocolate go well together?
According to people around Plant City, it’s a winning combination. That’s why, after a lengthy hiatus, the Plant City Arts Council is both bringing back its Chili Cook-Off competition and chocolate feature on Saturday, March 28.
“We had several people come to us and ask if we’re going to do another cook-off,” Arts Council administrator Dodie White says. “We used to have such a good time, and it was really a good crowd-drawer before.”
The last event was held at least a decade ago, by White’s estimation, but she says it historically brought in plenty of money for the Council and for Plant City Entertainment. The idea to bring the event back was floated around in the middle of 2014, and the Arts Council began seriously planning it toward the end of the year. The event’s date has already been rescheduled once, but White says that the group is all set to go on March 28 at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.
Back then, top chefs in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World made their own chocolate – in addition to the chili – for judging, sponsored by Plant City Entertainment. This time will be a little different.
The Arts Council has teamed up with Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe to bring chocolates to the event, and the chocolatier’s goods will not be presented to a panel of judges. Instead, they’ll be available for all in attendance to enjoy.
Entertainment for this year will be provided by Dance Connection, as the local outfit will be sending a group to perform some routines throughout the event. If successful, White says that the Arts Council will look to add musicians and other entertainers in 2016.
All money raised from the event will be put to work by the Arts Council, and will be split toward the group’s two main ventures. On one hand, the group will use some of the money to fund upcoming events and projects around town. The other main use for the money will be for the group’s scholarship fund, which helps seniors from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools that are aiming to pursue careers in the arts field.
With everything now set in stone, White and the Arts Council are now just hoping for perfect chili weather.
“We’re saying our little prayers for a cold snap,” she says.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Where: Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 North Palmer Street.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, March 28.
Cost: $5 per ticket.
For more information, and for high schoolers who wish to apply for the Arts Council’s scholarship, contact Dodie White at (813) 927-0595, Marsha Passmore at (813) 245-2244, or Edith Kidde at (904) 465-1764.