City police to raise money by making, selling chili
While the weather may be chilly, people in downtown Uniontown will keep warm with chili this week. On Monday, Valentine’s Day, city Police Chief Kyle Sneddon and Capt. Ronald “Crow” Kozak will make and sell chili from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Eberly Park.
While the officers disagree about who makes better chili, they both say the money they will raise is going to a worthy cause.
Proceeds benefit the Mental Health Association of Fayette County’s Compeer Friend program, which matches mentally ill county residents with volunteers for friend-based relationships.
“The police and firemen are always joking about who is the best cook at the station,” Kozak said. “This competition will prove once and for all that my chili is best.”
“Don’t be too sure of that,” Sneddon said. “This gives us a chance to meet the residents in town in a fun way and to show our support for the Mental Health Association’s Compeer Friend program. And by the way, I make the best chili at the station.”
Emcee of the cook-off will be Chris Higbee of the popular local group the PovertyNeck Hillbillies.
“This event is a continuation of the chief’s cook-off fund-raiser that was held this summer,” said Cindi Swallop, Compeer program coordinator.
The hot and spicy fare will continue on Saturday, only with a touch of sweetness.
“Chili and Chocolates” is the name and the foods featured in an event set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street. The street will be closed from Beeson Boulevard and Gallatin Avenue for the event.
It is the second of 13 festivals planned for downtown this year by the Fayette Progress Council, a non-profit arm of Joseph A. Hardy III’s real estate company Commercial Center Associates, the Downtown Business District Authority and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
Cindy Digga of Commercial Center Associates said restaurants and amateurs will compete in separate divisions in a contest for the best chili, cakes, cookies and candy.
Contestants can enter one or more of the competitions.
“We already have five restaurants and four individuals,” Digga said. “We’re happy, but we’re hoping for more.”
She said three more judges are also needed.
Judges and contestants can sign up by calling the Commercial Center office at 724-437-1750 or by stopping in. The office is located at 9 E. Peter St.
The registration fee for restaurants is $50, and the fee for individuals is $10.
Restaurants will cook their chili, bake their chocolates or both at the festival, while amateur contestants prepare their creations at home and bring them in.
Digga said any food vendor can rent a tent for $50 to sell any type of food they like.
A disc jockey will play tunes, and several events are planned for children.
In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which is Saturday, organizers have planned an Abe Lincoln costume contest for kids 10 years old and younger. Prizes will be awarded for the best girl and boy costume.
A patriotic coloring contest is also on tap.
The characters Marshall the Snowman and George C. Bear will also visit and pose for photos with children.