Mar 5, 2017 By Dave Zuchowski for The 2 min read

Greene County residents will have a chance to play food critic this Sunday when they get to vote for their favorite local chili chef during the second annual “Chili Cook-Off.”

During the event, 12 Waynesburg businesses will vie for the title of Best Chili Maker and an opportunity to hang the Chili Cook-Off Award in their place of business for a year. Last year, Carol Bagel of the Made in America Gift Shoppe won the title and has proudly displayed the award, a large golden ladle, in her shop since last March.

Now in its second year, the March 5 cook-off will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To participate and sample 12 different kinds of chilis — everything from mild to hot — residents can stop by any of the participating merchants and purchase a wristband for $5 or for $8 for a couple. The band will give them entrance to all the chili stops with the opportunity to sample all 12. Some of the merchants will also pass out recipes of their favorite chilis.

“By the end of the event, everyone should have full bellies,” said Jim Winegar, co-owner of Artbeat, one of the chili stops.

Co-owner Linda Winegar plans to supplement her husband’s crock pot creation with her homemade mini corn muffins.

Maps identifying the way to each of the venues will be distributed to patrons who purchase the wristband.

All proceeds from the sale of the bands will go to fund future events of the Waynesburg Merchants Guild, the event organizer. These include the “Easter Eggstravaganza” on April 8, the Summer Open House on June 23 and the Cookie Caper, slated for sometime in November.

“The cook-off is a fun social event in which patrons can sample some tasty chilis, browse our merchants’ shops and chat with friends they meet along the way,” Jim Winegar said.

For more information about the event, call 724-833-9058.