CCEDC Hosts Chili Cook-off/Chocolate Fest

The Carbon County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is holding their second annual Chocolate Fest and adding a Chili Cook-off as well on Nov. 7 at the Valley Community Center in Baggs. Cost to attend the event is $10 which includes chili and chocolate tasting, bidding on silent auction prizes and a dance to the live band Trainwreck.

Tickets will also enter participants into a drawing for a chance to win a one night stay at the Wind River Casino Hotel and dinner for two. Children 10 and under are free. Wine tasting, a cash bar and raffle will also be held throughout the evening for the adults.

Cindy Wallace, Executive Director for the CCEDC said the proceeds from the event will help with a grant match for Carbon Mercantile building in downtown Rawlins, website updates and to hire part-time help in the CCEDC office.

“We are trying to do events in other parts of the county, since we serve all the communities in Carbon County,” Wallace said.

The CCEDC is seeking people to enter their chili or chocolate creations. Samples for 100 to taste and a list of ingredients used.

Competitors will receive a free ticket for the event. The public will judge for the best chili and best chocolate creation winners, with first and second place cash prizes being awarded. Entry forms and rules are available at the Cowboy Inn, Baggs, the CCEDC office, 215 W. Buffalo, RM 304, Rawlins, or on the first page of the CCEDC website at www.ccwyed.net. Entries are due at the CCEDC office by Nov. 4.

Entries need to be at the Valley Community set for set up between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Nov. 7. The event opens to the public at 5:30 p.m. with tasting and voting until 7 p.m. After 7 p.m., the winners will be announced. The silent auction ends at 7:30 p.m. Dancing to Trainwreck begins at 7:45 p.m.

The CCEDC is also selling raffle tickets for a chance to win $550 gift certificate from Bi-Rite Sporting Goods for a gun of your choice or any item from their store.

Tickets are available at the Cowboy Inn in Baggs, the CCEDC office, or from board members Doug Boyd, Gary Conatser, Chris Iacovetto, Bob Davis, Ryta Sondergard or Andrea Shepard. Tickets will also be available at the door. Contact the CCEDC office at 307-324-3836 for further information.