The annual Central Pennsylvania Humane Society’s sixth annual “Satan’s Revenge Chilifest” is set for Sunday starting at 6 p.m. at Burgi’s Roundhouse, Altoona.
The event raises funds to help homeless animals at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society and pits area restaurants and pubs against each other in a chili cook-off. Trophies, plaques and “bragging rights” will be awarded to the winning participating establishments.
Once again, two Northern Blair restaurants, Racer’s and the Bull Pen, are participating in the Chilifest. This year also features new entries from Magoo’s (Cresson) with “Shovelhead” chili and “Mountain Madness”. Other new participants are Altoona’s Black & Gold Tavern with “Red Zone” chili and “Jamaican Jerk” chili from Club Coconuts (Altoona).
Additional returning competitors include The Heidelberg Country Club (“HCC Tex/Mex Style” chili and “Three Bean Chili”), the U.S. Hotel Restaurant & Tavern (Hollidaysburg) with “Holy Habanero!” chili, The Phoenix (a previous “Best Bowl” winner) serving up an all-new offering this year they call “You’re Not Man Enough!” and host restaurant Burgi’s Roundhouse with “Diesel Fuel” and “Steam Engine” chili.
The event will also feature raffle prizes and a 50/50 with entertainment provided by perennial local favorite “Zupe” (the one-man-band).
Dave Hopkins, CPHS Director of Fundraising/Public Relations and ChiliFest organizer, noted this year’s event will feature more variety than ever with 16 chili entries.
Hopkins said, “We are looking forward to a very exciting event this year, in part because we have three new entries that have never been part of the Chilifest before.”
Hopkins also noted this year’s event is starting at 6 p.m., which is an hour earlier than in the past. He said that should allow those attending to wrap up the evening a little sooner. He said this year’s giveaways include a nicer and wider selection. He also said entertainment from “Zupe” will be different than in past years and should be something attendees will really enjoy.
“This year we have a very special event we know will be a crowd-pleaser,” said Hopkins. “Joe Murgo (TV10 Chief Meteorologist) will be challenging local radio legend Dick DiAndrea (WALY) and sidekick “Eddie Ray” to a special and separate ‘grudge match cook-off’ to be decided by those who sample and vote. We know it’s going to be a tough competition but also a lot of fun! Joe has won all three previous individual competitions but Dick says his chili will be tops. Joe calls his chili “Murgo’s Meltdown” with Dick using a name offered by one of his listeners, “Dick’s Chili ‘Ray’ Venge!”
Top prize at the cook-off (“Best Bowl”) is a traveling trophy awarded to the best chili as chosen by a celebrity judging panel. This year’s panel features Sam Zema (Daily Herald), Altoona Mirror General Manager Neil Rudel, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page Editor, Bruce Wissinger, Craig “The Iceman” Andrews (Q-94 radio), Elsie Zengel (Altoona Curve), Doug Herendeen (WRTA radio) and Roger Corey (WALY radio).
“And our star panelist, just in case, is our favorite gastroenterologist, Dr. Ralph McKibbin” added Hopkins.
The “People’s Choice” award is also given on the basis of votes as cast by party-goers.
Hopkins said “prime sponsors” for the event this year are City Beverage and New Look Uniform. Additional sponsors include the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Blair Insurance, Blair Candy Company and V.I.P. Pets and Aquarium.
For those who still don’t have their tickets, there will be some available for the all-you-can-eat event at the door on Sunday at Burgi’s. A limited supply also may be purchased today at the CPHS Shelter (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hopkins advised it is best to call ahead at the Shelter at 942-5402 before stopping in today. The cost is $12 per ticket.
All proceeds from the event go to help the homeless animals at the CPHS shelter.
