On the Side| Brad Hicks

So, the wait is over and The Red Oak Express has a beneficiary of the proceeds of its annual Barb Gray Chili Cook-Off.

This year’s event is Friday, Oct. 13, at the fire station. It works this way. We have people enter the contest for $25 and prepare a roaster full of chili. We have three judges pick the top three chili entries. Then, the public – that’s you – attend and sample the chili. We ask that you donate money to the chili you think is the best. At the end of the event, we count up the cash and the top three money-raising chili preppers earn awards, too. All of the money raised then goes to the beneficiary for the year.

And this year, the funds will go to an organization that works hard all year to provide entertainment options for every single resident – the Red Oak Grand Theatre Board of Directors. The proceeds will be used toward the board’s work to add a second screen to The Grand.

So, the clock is running, and although I realize a majority of our dozen chili entrants from a year ago signed up in the last week, I’d rather get the menu set a little earlier. Give us a call if you want to enter.

Please plan to visit the Red Oak Fire Department from 5 to 7 p.m. that night to taste some really great chili made by people who are interested in winning, but also in their community. And, bring a few bucks – or lots of them – and vote for the winner. Those dollars will go toward our community having more movie options at The Grand.

Contact Brad Hicks at publisher@redoakexpress.com.