Chili Contest to Help Community Assist in Appalachians

About 20 Westborough-area chili recipes will under one roof Saturday night to help improve living conditions in Kentucky's Appalachian region.

The 6th Annual Westborough Appalachia Service Project Chili Challenge is from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Knights of Columbus Hall, 11 Willow St. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 18, and free for children under age six, with a $25 family cap.

The proceeds will help a group from Westborough’s First United Methodist Church and St. Luke the Evangelist Parish repair homes in the Appalachians this summer, probably in Kentucky, says Dennis Callahan, who is co-chairing the event with Dave Reynolds.

About 75 youths and 30 adult leaders will drive down to that region with their own tools, Callahan says.

"The week is home repair, and being among the people in Appalachia," he says.

"You're at the work site at 9, you leave at 5, and its very very hard work. But, these homes are in terrible condition. They're very rundown, and they need a lot of work. And usually, the families that live in them are there. So, there's a lot of interaction with the volunteers and the people of that region."

The economy and the weather have affected the residents, Callahan says.

"Most of them are heavily affected by the decline of the coal industry," he says.

Saturday night's event in Westborough will offer 15 competitive chilis, and about five "house chilis that everyone can eat bowls and bowls. It's not too hot, not too crazy, but if you like chili, you will like this," Callahan says.

The top three competitive chilis will receive gift certificates to local businesses, he says.

Some entries offer sides as well.

"I don't know where else you can try 15 to 20 chili recipes that are outstanding," Callahan says.

"I'm meeting people in town, and I'm eating this great chili."