Twelve years ago, when founder Cory Scott started a backyard chili contest for his college friends -- affectionately dubbed "Chilirhea" -- he never imagined it would grow to become a huge Northwest Arkansas event. Six years after his first chili-themed party, Scott realized it had grown too big for his backyard. Chilirhea was routinely drawing 200 guests, so the event was moved to a larger space and became a fundraiser for Arkansas nonprofits.
"Our goal the first year was to cover expenses, spread awareness, have a little fun and move the event from my house, which was destroyed the previous year from all the attendees," says Scott. "We had a lot of friends and knew we could draw a large crowd. But never in my wildest dreams did I think it could raise over $80,000 in one year. We are extremely blessed by the reception of the community."
What — Chilirhea, Chili cooking contest featuring chilis from 40 applicants. Proceeds benefit Arkansas Alzheimer’s associations.
When — 12 p.m.-5 p.m. (chili guaranteed until 2 p.m.) Saturday
Where — Fayetteville Town Center, 15 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville
Cost — $35
Info — http://www.chilirhe…
That response has only grown larger over time. Last year, Chilirhea hosted approximately 1,200 chili aficionados.
The theme of this year's event is "Chilirhea Under the Big Top" and will be held at the Fayetteville Town Center on Saturday from noon until 5 p.m. (Chili is guaranteed until 2 p.m.) The presenting sponsor is Atlas Technology Group.
Chilirhea director Wendy Farrer says that the event will benefit three Arkansas nonprofits, all of which address Alzheimer's research and caregiver support.
"This year, proceeds will benefit Alzheimer's Arkansas, based out of Little Rock but with locations all over the state; the UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging, which is one of 25 Alzheimer's research facilities in the nation (we're really lucky to have that gem here in Arkansas); and the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation, specifically the Broyles Academy."
Farrer says the Broyles Academy teaches caregiving practices for Alzheimer's patients.
"Oftentimes, those affected by dementia and Alzheimer's are truly suffering, but it is the caretaker who suffers immensely, as well," says Scott. "I watched my grandfather take care of my grandmother for 13 years as she began to be affected by this disease. He was devastated because he did not know what to do. They had made plans to travel the world together and could no longer do this because of Alzheimer's. I remember how hard it was for him the day that his beloved wife of 30-plus years no longer knew his name."
Scott's grandmother Opal was the inspiration behind having Chilirhea proceeds benefit Arkansas Alzheimer's nonprofits.
"Specifically, for Cory, it was his grandmother, Opal," Farrer says. "But everyone on the board has had a personal connection with it being in their family, or they have known someone whose family was struggling with it."
"I have come to find out that Alzheimer's affects nearly every family in some way, so people want to learn more about it and how to cope," notes Scott.
Farrer says Chilirhea diners can look forward to sampling chili from 40 different competitors, ranging from professional chefs to hobbyists.
"We've had college buddies, people who enter into national competitions, restaurant people -- really and truly, anyone who thinks that their recipe is worth battling for, that's who it's open to."
The event has official judges, but partygoers can get in on the action, too.
"We have a sort of 'people's choice' award," explains Farrer. "It's a way for us to raise money -- people purchase tokens, and they can give them to the different booths that they like. These people get really competitive!"
The event will also feature a silent auction, and live music will be performed by area favorite The Uncrowned Kings.
Farrer says they're excited to be adding a kid zone this year.
"The Kid Zone will be from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.," says Farrer. "This really is a family-friendly event, especially since children under 12 are free." The Kid Zone will feature kid-friendly food like cotton candy and popcorn, as well as entertainment like juggling, face painting, magic tricks and balloon animals.
Farrer says the Chilirhea board is intent on keeping the ticket prices to the event affordable so a wide swath of the public can attend. A $35 ticket will buy unlimited chili and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The event also has the added excitement of taking place near the city of Fayetteville's Mardi Gras parade route.
"I think it will be fun to have those come together at the same time," enthuses Farrer.
With the help of Tyson Foods, which is donating 200 pounds of beef for the event, enthusiastic chili chefs will be cooking their three to five gallons of chili on the Town Center Terrace, no matter the weather. "Two years ago, we had a blizzard, with a wind chill of 15 degrees," Farrer says. "The winds were insane, and there were several inches of snow on the ground -- but they were out there cooking."
NAN Profiles on 02/19/2017