The Ypsilanti Michigan Firehouse Museum will host a Chili Cook-off on May 7 from 1. p.m to 4. p.m.

The contest will feature 4 fire departments, one museum member, and the museum all preparing chili for the event. 

“In the past the variety of chilis were fantastic and I’m sure this year won't be any different” Dave Egeler Director of Operations said in a written statement. “The last event did provide a range of flavors.”

Each contestant will be competing for the chance to have their name on the “Gold Chili Bowl” trophy at the museum. The judging has two categories; people's choice and judge's choice. The guest judges of the event will be Chief Ken Hobbs of the Ypsilanti Fire Department, Chief Teresa Robinson of the Ferndale Fire Department, and Dan Egeler the president of the museum board. 

The event will feature live music, and a variety of beverages, with lots of other activities centered around the museum. There will be a silent auction and polar plunge dunk tank as another facet of the event. This is a ticketed event that will provide full access to the museum, and benefit charity.

The first chili cook-off was held in 2016. Due to the pandemic, the 2019 cook-off was delayed, making this event the second chili cook-off the museum has held. 

“The last Chili Cook-Off was supported greatly by the Ypsilanti area, and we hope to see that support again this year,” Egeler said. “Historically, fire departments and chili seem to go together, so it only makes sense that we continue that food tradition and turn it into a fundraiser for the Museum.”

The Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center is a non-profit organization that relies on community funding to keep the museum thriving. For anyone interested in attending this event ticket can be purchased at  A2Tix.com.

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