It’s freaking cold outside, and guess what? Low temperatures are one of the 1,724 documented reasons for Cincinnatians to eat chili. And in the name of fun chili-eating and competition, Gold Star Chili is sponsoring the fifth annual Chili Cook-Off at Findlay Market. This free event will offer all the promotional chili-themed apparatuses we’ve come to expect from Gold Star — Chilimobile, tasting stations (does anyone in Cincinnati really need to taste Gold Star chili?) and the cool outdoor marketplace that Findlay and Elder streets turn into on the weekends. Contestants in the cook off must complete an entry form found at www.findlaymarket.org, fax it in along with the recipe and then bring at lest four quarts of chili to Findlay Market Sunday for judging. This year’s chili experts include firefighters from CFD Engine Company 5, Chef Melody Jaworski and a guest chili expert from Gold Star Chili. Prizes include $100 and a ride in the Gold Star Chili Chilimobile during the 2009 Opening Day Parade and $50 for second and third place. Entry forms due by noon Jan. 16. Judging starts at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, with tasting by the general public at 11 a.m.
Get venue details and more here,