Every year since 2000, the Chardon High School Interact Club has been successfully putting on the chili cook off. This year, the event will take place in the cafeteria on Friday, October 24th from 5:30-7:00 directly before the last home football game facing University Schools. “What better way to start off the beginning of fall and cold weather than chili and football!” says junior, Mary Weaver.

According to the high school’s interact advisor, Mr. Brown, it costs six dollars for students, parents, and members of the community to get into the cafeteria where a plethora of unlimited chili, corn bread, desserts, and drinks lies. “All of the proceeds collected go toward Guatemala Missions this year,” Mr. Brown said. Every year both Interact members, who spearhead the cookoff, and members of National Honors Society volunteer their time to help run the event by selling tickets, setting up, helping direct and welcome those who come to eat, and cleaning up.

Each year there ranges from between 50 and 70 chili entries which are donated by various teachers, students, parents, and members of the community. Because there are so many entries, the chili ranges widely in type and composition; some are spicy enough to make one’s eyes tear up while others are mild, sweet, and heartwarming. There are also many meatless or vegetarian options each year. The chili entries are divided into three categories based on who they are entered by: teachers, students, or adults. Before those who come to eat arrive, many judges taste test each of the chilis and vote on the best one of each category. These judges consist of any teachers, firemen, and rotary club members who are up for this tough job. Trophies which read something such as “Winner of 2014 Chili Cook Off” are awarded to each victor.

Most students and adult football fans normally go to the cafeteria for a few hours, indulge in multiple bowls of hot chili and desserts, and then head down to the game. Mary Weaver thinks that it’s a really awesome fund raiser because she can get all warm inside from the hot chili which then carries over to the game where it’s undoubtedly cold.

In years past there has usually been from about 200 to 300 people who show up to the cook off. This year, the outcome should be comparable if not better than this amount. More and more people keep coming to this event each year because it is not only a terrific way to raise money, but it is a fun event where both students and the whole community can bond over delicious food.