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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

A bowl of hot chili is often a welcome sight on a cold day. Chilton County chili enthusiasts will be bringing their best recipes to the Senior Connection Chili Cook-off and Health Fair on Feb. 5.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is still time to become a competitor by contacting Senior Connection.

Entry fee is $25.

Director Vanessa McKinney said there are usually 20 people who participate in the contest. Many have already expressed interest. Mark Jones was the last winner of the cook-off in 2020.

For McKinney, the 2007 winner of the cook-off, “meaty spicy chili” is the best.

Attendees can taste all of the entries for the $5 admission fee. There will also likely be a People’s Choice Award this year, in addition to the winner selected by the judges. The winner’s name is added to the plaque each year.

“The person gets to take the trophy home for a year,” McKinney said. “Then, the bring it back the next year, and we keep putting the names on there. It’s about a 3 feet tall trophy.”

After a year off due to the coronavirus pandemic, McKinney said “it’s great” to be able to host the event again.

She said she enjoys seeing everyone at the event.

“It’s just a fun activity for everybody,” McKinney said.

While the chilis are being judged, attendees can enjoy the vendors and health booths that will be set up. McKinney said some of the medical professionals usually offer health screenings on site.

The vendor fee is $25.

McKinney said there are still spaces available.

There will also be live entertainment.

To register to enter a chili in the competition or to reserve a booth, contact Senior Connection at 205-755-8227 or chiltonseniorconnection@gmail.com.

Funds raised during the event help the organization to continue to offer activities for local seniors.

Senior Connection offers exercise opportunities, space for board games, rook tournaments, line dancing, pool tournaments, bingo, special lunches and field trips for area senior adults.