CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Hospital Hospice invites you to don a cowboy hat and chaps and mosey down to the Clearfield Driving Park Expo II Building on Sept. 17 from 5-9 p.m. for an evening of Wild West fun.
“Western Legends” is the theme for the 12th annual Chili Bowl. The planning committee is now accepting entries for the competition, as well as themed-basket donations that will be chanced off. Individuals, restaurants, churches, physicians, community organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their booth and/or dress in accordance with the theme.
“The hospice staff can’t wait to see what our supporters come up with this year for costumes and booth decorations. We expect we’ll see some famous cowboys and villains preparing for a showdown at the OK Corral. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re anticipating an even bigger turnout than last year’s Chili Bowl, which raised a record-breaking $33,000 for hospice patients,” Dana Wilson, hospice volunteer/event coordinator, said.
For those not familiar with the Chili Bowl, here’s how it works: Chili entries are accepted in three categories, which are Restaurant, Physician and Open. Entry fee is only $25.
The judges determine first, second and third place winners in each category based on flavor, aftertaste, consistency, aroma and visual appeal.
Another panel of judges walks around the event. These judges determine Spirit Award winners, based on participation and enthusiasm, while another panel of judges determines the Most Artistic, with judging based on presentation of the booths.
The Humanitarian Award is yet another chance for entrants to shine, Wilson said. Each entrant or team has a mason jar placed on the entrant’s table. Attendees may make a voluntary donation to help choose the chili entry that wins this award. Money may also be collected prior to the event for the Humanitarian Award.
In addition to the chili competition, themed-baskets are raffled off during the night. These baskets, containing a cornucopia of items ranging from gift certificates, clothing, household wares, etc., are donated by individuals, businesses and Clearfield Hospital departments.
“Every year, the baskets get better and better. So much time, energy and creativity go into putting the baskets together,” Wilson said. The deadline for baskets to be turned in is Aug. 17.
The themed-baskets will be on display in the Clearfield Hospital lobby from Aug. 17 to Sept. 16 and at the DuBois Mall from Aug.21-24. People may purchase chances on the baskets during those exhibitions as well as the evening of the Chili Bowl.
Other activities with western flair will include music by The Ridge Runners Band; kids’ corner; a bow and arrow prairie hunt; covered wagon race; saloon ring toss; cow pie putting golf; watering hole duck pond; black smith horse shoe toss; calf branding tattoos; calf roping; piñatas and a western photo booth.
There will be 50/50 chances and sales of this year’s Chili Bowl t-shirts designed by artists Robin and Johanna Prince.
The most moving part of the Chili Bowl is the popular Butterfly Release, which will be held at 6 p.m. Live Monarch butterflies are released to honor the living and in memory of deceased loved ones. Butterfly reservations are now being accepted at a cost of $15 per butterfly.
While chili tasting is at the heart of this red-hot night, other food items will be sold, including hot dogs, chips and drinks. Dave and Amy Duke of Clearfield will have their ice-cream truck at the event.
Wilson said all proceeds benefit the Clearfield Hospice program by covering expenses that are not covered by insurance. Monies are used to help alleviate burdens from hospice patients and families in need who are facing end-of-life issues.
The fundraiser also supports the bereavement program and the grief camp for children and teens. This is a free service offered to anyone in the community who has suffered a loss.
Clearfield Hospice provides personal care and support for terminally ill persons and their families. It serves residents of Clearfield, Centre and Jefferson counties, as well as parts of the bordering counties of Elk, Indiana, Cambria, Clinton and Blair.
For registration information chili entry, theme baskets or to reserve a monarch for the butterfly release, please contact Wilson at 768-2012 or by e-mail at dwilson@clearfieldhosp.org. Wilson is also seeking event sponsors and donations.
Admission to the Chili Bowl is free.