The Pansification of Chili Competitions?

A new announcement has thrown another wrench into an event that has already been plagued with controversy. Leading up to this year’s competition there have already been accusations of cheating, bribery as well as potential steroid use. In the latest development, Rick Cox, Director of Community Services for the Township of Minden Hills has announced that the upcoming Chili Competition, part of the Minden Winterfest, will be violence free.

"This is a family event, designed for the Family Day Weekend," said Mr. Cox. "We're trying to appeal to people of all ages. We're trying to encourage the youth of today to look at cooking and cook-offs as safe and non-violent." Last year's event saw an unprecedented amount of injuries, including at least one hospitalization.

Competitors have had mixed reactions to the announcement. One of the most vocal in opposition to the new changes is Shawn Chamberlain, owner of the Dominion Hotel. "Well, that's just a pansification of the sport of chili cook-offs, and cook-offs in general," said Chamberlain. "Spitting, punching and throwing things are all a part of chili cook-offs. It's a part of our history, our culture. It's what the fans want to see, what they expect to see, and what I plan to give them!"

Another competitor, Dave Allen, agrees. "Well, I have to say that with all due respect to Mr. Cox, he's really over-reacting. I mean, what's one fatality, really? And that guy was like, at least 80. He was going to go sometime."

Theories about the root of the new decision are focusing on the fact that Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader John Tory will be part of the competition. "Well, the way I see it, they're afraid that there's going to be some kind of big do, and we'll embarrass them in front of the media," says Molly McInerney, representative of the Minden Times Chili Team.

Alluding to the proposed regulation of all competitors wearing protective gear, McInerney adds, "But I don't care, I'm not wearing a helmet. I haven't worn one in 25 years of cook-offs, and I don't intend to start now."

Joanna Penfold, leader of the Minden Rotary Club team is more understanding of the new regulations. "Violence really has been a big part of the competition in the past, but I can see how they're trying to teach the young people," says Penfold. "Either way, I'm ready. I can play nice. Unless those boys get out of hand! Bring on the cage match. I can take them!"

There are only 10 days before the 2009 competition, and, at this point, anything can happen.

The Chili Competition takes place on Sunday, February 15, at the Minden Community Centre, as part of Winterfest Minden. For more information, visit www.minden150.ca.

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Located just 2 1/2 hours northeast of Toronto, the Haliburton Highlands is a area of outdoor adventure, arts and, of course, chili.

Amy Brohm
Tourism Marketing Co-ordinator
County of Haliburton
PO Box 959
Minden, ON K0M 2K0
705-286-1777
abrohm@county.haliburton.on.ca

This release was published on openPR.