NEWS/PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: VICKI BROWN (608) 884-4307 OR TOM REITZ
(608) 884-3358 OR VISIT WWW.CHILIMANIA.COM.
Chilimania
Celebrates 19 Years of Hot Chili, Cool Music
EDGERTON – It’s a world of contrasts at Chilimania. There’s chili so hot it will make your hair curl while there’s music so cool you’ll feel the chill of fall in the air. All are welcome to attend the 2008 festival running 11:00 a.m. to midnight at the intersection of Canal and Henry Streets, one block off the junction of Highways 51 and 59 in Edgerton on Saturday, Sept. 6.
Chilimania, a
one-day festival of live music, chili contests, chili sampling and other food and fun, is
one of the largest chili cook-off contests in the
“Chilimania has been a mainstay
in Edgerton for nearly two decades – it’s a fun event for locals as well as
visitors,” said Chilimania President
Chili sets the
stage for the festival, but don’t forget the music. At 9:00 p.m.,
“If you enjoy
Warming up the stage for Light Up will be the audience themselves. Chilimania presents the second annual “Chili Idol,” back by popular demand from its debut in 2007. Backed up by a live band, the Hootenanner’s, participants can choose from hundreds of songs and then perform live in front of thousands of fans. Cash prizes of $150, $100 and $50 are at stake and three judges will determine who takes them home. Advance registration is required. Go to www.chilimania.com to view songs and reserve your spot on the stage today.
Entertaining the crowd from 2 to 5
p.m. is
But don’t forget a favorite of Chilimania with their mellow, smooth sounds as Monday Morning Dixie Band plays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Monday Morning Dixie Band is the only band to play every year at Chilimania,” Morris explained. “They are a big draw and a crowd pleaser. Chilimania would not be the same without them performing the first number of the day!”
Of course, it
also wouldn’t be Chilimania without the featured ingredient – CHILI.
For the 11th year, Chilimania will be a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI)
event and will simultaneously host a CASI-sanctioned chili grind cook-off and a
traditional (open) chili cook-off. Chili cookers from throughout the Midwest and as far as
Chefs may enter either contest, or both, for one entry fee. The festival opens to cookers at 7 a.m. with a cook’s meeting at 10 a.m. A salsa contest will also be held from noon to 1 p.m. Registered cooks are welcome to bring their homemade salsa and chips for judging by a select panel of judges.
Additionally, Edgerton is again host to the 2008 Wisconsin State Championship CASI Cook-off during the festival. “We’ve done this many years but we always view it as a tremendous opportunity for Edgerton,” said Morris. “It should provide a ton of fabulous chili to taste and many great booths for our many visitors to see throughout the day.”
The chili tasting, which is free to the public, will begin at 3 p.m. After paying for admission simply pick up a free chili tasting cup from various locations throughout the festival grounds at or after 3 p.m. You will then be allowed to sample as many chilies as your heartburn can handle!
Beyond chili, there are plenty of activities for the kids in the family with a jumping booth, nickel toss, climbing wall and other children’s games running from noon to 5 p.m.
Chilimania gates open to the public at 11 a.m. and all activities can be enjoyed for a $5 admission fee at the gate. Advance tickets for $4 are available from a number of Edgerton area businesses.
For more information, including where you can buy tickets in advance, log on to www.chilimania.com or contact 608-884-3358 days or 608-884-4307 evenings.
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