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Wednesday, March 14, 2007 · Page 11 Chili Fest offers blend of exotic tastes BY DANIEL SCHWAB From five alarm to seafood, judges of the 2007 Essex Chili Fest were sure to have satisfied their taste buds during the fundraising event held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 201 March 11. Dozens of people started pouring in around noon and a lineup quickly formed for those eager to taste-test the 38 different batches entered during this year's event. It's come a long way from the first Chili Fest held eight years ago in Belle River, said organizer Brian Pepper. "That year we had only six chilis and now we have this," Pepper said enthusiastically. With proceeds from the fundraiser being split between programs of the Essex Fire and Rescue Service and the Essex OPP, the event proved to be satisfying for more than just appetites. "It's a bonus for us," said Essex Fire and Rescue Cpt. Randy Services Kaufmann. "It's really going to help out the kids." The fire department's portion of the funding will go towards their annual Christmas toy drive for local youngsters. The police will use their proceeds to fund the Essex OPP Cop Camp. "This is awesome," said Const. Janet Hayes, who's been a counselor at the camp for the past 11 years. Hayes said police have already held several fundraising events for the camp in the past few months and raised about $3,000 for the camp that runs during August. She said the goal is to reach $10,000. The camp is open to 11and 12-year-olds and teaches team building skills, selfdefence methods and crime scene investigation tactics. Last year, the camp was held at Camp Cedarwin on County Road 23 and included activities such as bowling, fishing and a trip to Tropical Colasanti's Gardens. Hayes had Pepper to thank for bringing the OPP closer to its fundraising goal. "Brian Pepper is very involved in the community and with the kids," Hayes said. "When he found out we needed fundraising for the camp, he was happy to help out." With batches of chili entered into the event by local restaurants, members of the public and emergency service providers, Pepper said a bigger turnout is almost guaranteed as more and more people get involved. With three dozen pots of chili needing to stay warm, Pepper even brought in six generators to ensure the electricity kept pumping into the Legion hall. Once the 15 judges sampled each batch of chili, the winners were announced in each of the three categories. For batches entered by members of the public, a chili prepared by Larry Hergott of Essex was named the tastiest. Second place went to Ina Newman, while Craig Essex Fire and Rescue Services mascot Sparky poses with a group of youngsters. Proceeds from the 2007 Essex Chili Fest will go towards youth oriented projects of the Essex Fire and Rescue Services and the Essex OPP. Essex Fire and Rescue Services Cpt. Randy Kaufmann fills up a bowl of chili for himself and his wife Mary during the 2007 Essex Chili Fest on Sunday. Dozens of people attended the event that offered 38 different batches of chili, from seafood to bologna. McGowan's batch claimed third place. In the category open to local restaurants, Bennigin's Dining Lounge was awarded 1st place. Second went to the Essex Cook House and the Michigan Roadhouse was named third. In the "9-1-1" category, open to emergency services, the Essex OPP's Tecumseh detachment took home first place, with second going to the Lakeshore detachment and third going to the Essex Fire and Rescue Service. At the end of the event, a total of $2,560 had been raised. Dancing fiddles coming to Essex Lakeshore parking reminder "Upbeat" and "Uplifting". These two words could well describe The Scott Woods Show coming on Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m. to Essex United Church. This fast-paced two-hour concert skilfully combines old time fiddling with country gospel songs, perennial favourites and a generous helping of humour. You'll be treated to one of Canada's best talents - the man with the flying fingers and the magic bow - fiddling sensation, Scott Woods. Scott has performed to enthusiastic crowds throughout Canada, the U.S. and in Holland. This young man has captured all the major Canadian fiddling titles, including Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Champion, and Canadian Fiddle Entertainer of the year. For seven years he was the musical director and played the part of Don Messer in Memories of Don Messer's Jubilee, a tribute show which has toured across the country. In addition, he has several recordings to his credit, which will be available at the concert. There are lots of things to watch for when Scott Woods takes to the stage. His keen sense of timing and his sharp wit will keep you on your toes. And speaking of toes, just try to keep them still as he plays those old time tunes! Scott is backed up by his own four-piece show band. Together, they stir up a storm of good music to lift your heart and feed your soul. For more information, or to order tickets, call the church office at 519-7765121. Visitors to Lakeshore and Lakeshore residents are reminded that they must park their vehicles on the side of the road, in the same direction of traffic. A vehicle must be parked with the right wheel against the curb with the front end of the vehicle facing in the direction of traffic. There is one exception and that is when a vehicle is parked on the left-hand side of a one-way street. By-law 4-2006, being a bylaw to regulate vehicular parking within the Town of Lakeshore on streets, parking lots and private properties, defines parking pursuant to subsection 3(1) as follows: "On every highway, a vehicle that is parked or left standing shall be parked with the righthand wheels thereof not more than thirty centimeters (30 cm) from the righthand curb provided that where parking is permitted on the left-hand side of a one-way highway the lefthand wheels shall not be more than thirty centimeter (30 cm) from the left-hand curb." Several tickets have been issued recently for this offence, with a $30 set fine, or voluntary payment of $20 if paid within 7 days. OPEN 9:00 am LAUNDRY EX-XPERTS 7 DAYS A WEEK CLOSED 7:00 pm *PROFESSIONAL WASH N FOLD SERVICE* *NO LAST LOAD TIME LIMIT* IICRC CERTIFIED 519-776-6481 TIRE & AUTO SERVICE TOWING 24/7 5 1 9 - 77 6 - 9 11 7 35 Gordon Ave. JOIN ESSEX'S ORIGINAL IRISH PUB FOR ITS 17TH ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION Saturday, March 17th LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! Stop by and try our famous.. Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, Reuben Deluxe or Mulligan's Stew w/Garlic Bread 18 Talbot St. N., Essex 4-8PM "Chris & Kris" . 9-1:30 "Irish Clovers" 519-776-6649