Harrisburg Elks' 20th annual chili cook-off this Saturday

HARRISBURG - The Harrisburg Elks Lodge will host its 20th annual chili cook-off Saturday at the civic group's new lodge at 220 Vince Ashley Drive.

Cooks may arrive at 7:30 a.m. to set up, and a cooks' meeting is at 10:30 a.m. A prep time will be from 11 a.m. to noon, and cooking will be noon to 3 p.m. with judging from about 3 to 4 p.m.

Awards will be at 5 p.m.

The event is open to spectators at noon, and will be "family friendly" until 5 p.m. JD the DJ will entertain with music and karaoke from 3 to 9 p.m.

First place is $300, with second place earning $200 and third place winning $100.

A "People's Choice" award will go to the team that raises the most money for the Elks charity. Money may be raised by selling samples of chili to spectators for $1, selling homemade drinks, holding prize raffles and other promotions.

There is a "Best Support Group" award as well. Each team of four people is allowed up to 10 additional support members. They may help with the booth, selling items, costumes, and team morale. They may not cook.

A traveling trophy will be awarded for the first time this year between various Elks Lodges. The lodge with the best chili will keep it for a year.

All proceeds will go to "Share the Glove," a not-for-profit organization that aids displaced veterans with cold-weather clothing and other necessities.