And chilly it was!  The mixture of October rain seasoned with a huge dose of bitter winds provides all the makings for the perfect chili-cooking weather.  Some say the relationship that exists between chili and a drop in the temperature is instinctual and reflexive.  I just know I like mine with cheese and onion on top.

The CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon Family Fun Day was held at Grey Highlands Secondary School in Flesherton.  There were several activities scheduled for this fund raiser, but the chili cook-off was it for me.  As I got out of my car, the smell of a burning campfire greeted me like an old friend, and I was soon caught up in the excitement and energy of all the entrants.  The frigid wind kept me, mostly, at the Municipality of West Grey’s campfire enjoying the warmth, good smells and the fun.  “Chili is not so much food as a state of mind”, American writer Margaret Cousins says, and the state of mind this day was camaraderie, joviality and just plain fun being had by all the cooking entrants – each team keeping their secret ingredients tightly to the vest.

Our fearless leaders from the Municipality of Grey Highlands added pineapple to their pot as well as some jalapeno peppers; the Pickle Guy had some of his own wasabi sauce in his. The team from Centre Grey Health Services (all dressed in surgical scrubs) were practical and kept a bottle of Pepto Bismol on their table, while others, like Chili Judge Lynn Silverton (Councillor of Grey Highlands), brought their own collection of antacids.  As the samples of chili arrived at the judges’ table, Lynn valiantly held up a spoon and called to her fellow judges, “Bean-O not afraid!  Let the judging begin!”

Yes, a great time was had by all, and when I left they were still doing Indian war whoops and dancing around West Grey’s campfire, probably celebrating the fact that we, alone, raised $34,883.55 for our new hospital.  Well done, people!

copyright 10/26/07 Valerie Whitney

The state of mind
this day was
camaraderie,
joviality and
just plain fun
being had

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