Cool Cars and Hot Chili

The Malden Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to a day of good food and fun on Saturday, Oct. 17. Registration is already underway for the Sixth Annual Chili Cook-Off competition, Car Show, Quilt Show and arts and crafts/food vendors. The event is back downtown this year where new lighting, sidewalks and resurfaced streets have been installed. The action will take place on Marion, Howard, Beckwith and Main streets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the main events, a karaoke system will be set up for everyone's entertainment and enjoyment. A bounce house also will be available for the children to play on.

The Chili Cook-Off is a non-sanctioned event with a $30 entry fee. Cash awards plus trophies will be given for the first three places only, as follows: $750 for first; $500 for second; $400 for third. There will be a trophy given for the People's Choice plus a cash award of $50, a Spirit Award Ribbon plus a cash award of $50, and Best Decorated Car Ribbon plus $50. Judging begins at 12 Noon with awards at 3 p.m. The public is asked to please avoid bringing pets into the cooking area, as this is a code restriction. The Chili Cook-Off will be held behind the First Southern Baptist Family Life Center on the corner of Howard and Beckwith streets.

The public will be able to taste the different chili entries by purchasing a wristband, chili bowl and spoon for $5 from the Chamber booth that will be located near the Chili Cook-Off area. Chili tickets are on sale now at the Chamber office for those who want to purchase their tickets early at $5 each.

According to Chamber director Misty Golloday, last year teams ran out of chili. "This year, we hope to have so much chili that we have leftovers," she commented.

The entry fee for the Car Show will be $20 for the first car entered, and $10 for additional cars added per household. Dash plaques will be given to the first 150 paid/registered entries. Each class will be awarded first, second and third place trophies. Several classes, including Antique, Classic, Custom, Race, Pickup and Motorcycle will be represented. Additional awards will be given for Best of Show, People's Choice, Car Club Participation, Longest Distance Traveled and Under Construction. Check-in will be 7 a.m. with judging beginning at 11 a.m. and awards at 3 p.m. A Car Show Parade will be held after the judging for the participants who would like to join in and will end at Lincoln Lacy Motors on Business 25 North. The Car Show will be held in the First Southern Baptist Church's parking lot located at the corner of Howard and Marion streets.

The Arts and Craft booth fee is $20 for a 10'x10' space or $40 for a 10'x20' space. Food vendor's booth fee is $50. All entrants may set up tents and must provide their own table and chairs for the event. There will be limited electricity available. The arts and crafts/food vendors will be set up in the First Southern Baptist Life Center parking lot with overflow in the Presbyterian church's parking lot just off Main Street.

The Annual Quilt Show will be held in the First Southern Baptist Church Life Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No food or drink will be allowed inside the building. Entrants can register their quilts at no charge with Viewer's Choice Awards given for first, second and third place at 2 p.m. Quilt setups will be provided. Admission to the quilt show is $1. Quilts will be accepted as late as Friday, Oct. 16, from 1-6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 7-9 a.m. at the Life Center.

"It's definitely going to be a wonderful celebration and a great way to show off the newly renovated downtown that we are so proud of," stated Golloday

To participate or request a registration form, contact the Malden Chamber of Commerce by email at info@maldenchamber.com or by calling 573-276-4519 or by visiting the Chamber website at www.maldenchamber.com.