RUMFORD — A local tattoo and art shop will be hosting a chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 at 72 Congress St. during the upcoming Lumberjack Festival.

Since the Lumberjack Festival was announced in March, Kris Howes, owner of Ink Maine on Congress Street, has been trying to figure out something he could do for the festival.

“Last year, we tried doing a spaghetti dinner-type thing, and it went OK,” Howes said. “But this year, for the festival, we’re going to get a bunch of people to have a chili-cooking competition.”

As of Friday afternoon, Howes said that six or eight people have volunteered to cook chili for the competition, although he expects around 10 to 12 to volunteer by May 4.

There will be a $5 cover charge to sample the chili, with all proceeds going towards Howes’ Ink Maine Relay for Life group.

“The $5 cover charge will allow you to sample each type of chili and will give you access to a beverage,” Howes said. “We only have 50 tickets to give out. When you get your ticket, there will be a ballot that comes with it so you can vote for your favorite chili.”

Whoever wins first place at the chili cook-off will receive a $75 prize, with second place receiving $50 and third place receiving $25.

The chili cook-off will be one of many events being offered at Rumford’s first annual Lumberjack Festival on May 4, including the following:

* An ax or hatchet throw competition until noon or 12:30 p.m. at Morency Park along River Street, depending on the turnout. The committee is still trying to decide a minimum age limit.

* Paul Bunyan movies for children at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. at Bartash’s.

* Wagon rides until 2 p.m.

* A coloring/drawing contest until 2 p.m

* A chainsaw carving expo until 3 p.m.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com

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