Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser Cancelled

According to NOAA, Friday there is a chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 21 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday, while mostly sunny, is forecast for a high of near 38.

The Child Care Center board of directors is working on plans to reopen in March and is also working toward the Second Annual Clam Chowder Cook-off 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26, in the Ocracoke Community Center.

Previous story:

Ocracoke Child Care will have back-to-back fundraising food events on the island this winter and spring.

The first one will be a Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Feb. 13, Valentine’s weekend, at the Ocracoke Station campground. 

This will be a “Chopped”-type event where chili chefs create their chili dishes on site from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

While observers may arrive at any time to watch the cooking action, the chili dishes must be ready by1:30 p.m. when attendees taste the chili until 3 p.m. and judge for peoples’ choice.

Four winners will be chosen: Best Overall; Most Unique; Best Vegetarian and Best Traditional (beans, meat, tomatoes).

Entry fees are $25 for participating chefs and $10 for attendees.  Beer, water and soda will be for sale by Ocracoke Station.

Marissa Gross, a Child Care board member, who spearheaded the first one three years ago, was the impetus for this year’s event.

“The first year was a lot of fun and we had a lot of participants,” she said.

Cooking from scratch (as they do on reality TV cooking shows), on-site is the key to the fun.

“Anyone can cook something great at home with unlimited time,” she said.  “The whole point is to see what you can do in a short amount of time.”

Entry forms are available at Ocracoke Gas Station and the Pirates Chest.

Ocracoke Child Care Center, while closed since last fall, expects to open mid-March.