What would it take to get you outdoors on a cold January afternoon? Skiing, sledding, skating, a good old-fashioned snowball fight? Ah, but ample snowfall isn’t something that we can rely upon anymore in this era of global warming. But no matter: Even if you can’t figure out something to do this Saturday that’s strenuous enough to keep your muscles warmed up, you can always take the alimentary route when there’s a bowl of hot chili calling your name.
From 12 noon to 3 p.m. on January 28, the Water Street Market located at 10 Main Street in New Paltz will once again host its highly competitive and wildly popular Local Ingredient Chili Challenge: the fourth annual iteration. This time of year it may seem like chili cook-offs are a dime a dozen, but this one is special – not just because it brings out so many of the New Paltz area’s local eateries that have chili bragging rights to defend (and there are many), but also on account of the emphasis on local ingredients. You need to incorporate at least five to enter, so the contest is a real boon for community-based agriculture, as well as a great excuse to mingle and stay warm from the inside out while sampling what the contenders have to offer.
The categories for competition include Best Home Chef, Best Vegetarian, People’s Choice, Most Creative and Best Professional. So whether you prefer your chili con or sin carne, come check it out and see if you can outguess the judges. Best of all (well, maybe after the food), all the proceeds go to support the food pantry at St. Joseph’s Church.
Tickets, sold by the “taste,” will be available onsite at the event. If you want to enter your own chili or volunteer to help out, contact Teresa Fall in advance at terryfall@gmail.com or (845) 255-1403. Visit waterstreetmarket.com for more information.
Join the family! 
