NEWRY – Chili and firefighters are expected to deck the slopes at Sunday River Ski Resort Sunday, March 21, for the Eat the Heat chili cook-off and firefighters slalom race.
As of Friday afternoon, firefighters from Portland, Lewiston, Bethel, Newry, Sanford and Gorham had committed teams to compete in the zany, madcap race. Some were even bringing their own chili for the taste-testing contest.
The race, which begins at 11 a.m. on Lower Tempest trail, features teams of five members each, dressed in full firefighting gear. They race together in giant slalom format through gates while holding 50 feet of fire hose.
Sunday River spokeswoman Susan DuPlessis said the race “is a hoot. I never get tired of watching it. It’s so much fun.”
Admission is free, but there is a $1 charge at noon for samples of chili, which are to be judged from 11 a.m. to noon by Maine television and radio personalities. Proceeds from the event benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing.
As of Friday afternoon, chili entrants included Thatcher’s in Auburn, Thatcher’s Sports Pub in Portland, South of the Border in Lewiston, and the Lewiston Fire Department.
“I’m quite disappointed that there are no locals entering their chili like they have in the past, but those I’ve called said they were busy for that day,” she added.
There is still time to enter either the race or cook-off. Contact the resort’s events office at 824-5084 for more information.
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