Chili Cookoff

No Valentine’s weekend would be complete without the Annual Mackinac Island Valentine, Chili Cookoff, Postcard Memento Poker Scenic Ski Rally, Walk Weekend   Yup, that’s right, it’s a ski rally and walk extravaganze coupled with the most deliciously hot chili cookoff this side of Lake Michigan.  What better way to warm up your midwinter than by enjoying the pristine outdoors of Mackinac Island and then topping it off by eating some delectable home-cooked chili.

Your winter warming activities start off with a full fresh Whitefish, wine, and cheese buffet at local favorite - The Village Inn.  Everyone enjoys this annual ice-breaker of an appetizing cocktail start to the serious stirrings, pourings, and spicings of the chili chefs.  And, we do mean Chefs.  These folks are not foolin’ around with their chili, some of them even spend the entire year refining their recipe in preparation for this special event.

While the actual cook-off is scheduled from 12pm to 4pm, these cooks get a serious start to their preparations, and secret recipes much earlier.  This annual event features tasting and judging of multiple chili entries from the island and all over. All Snow drifter members are encouraged to enter their favorite chili and win prizes or participate in the tasting and judging.

While the cooks are busy prepping for competition, their family members, and supporters can all participate in the Cross Country Ski/Walk Memento Postcard Poker Rally  which starts 8am Saturday morning.   Register at the Village Inn any time between 8:00am and noon. No registration fee. Routes take you by by Arch Rock, Fort Holmes, Fort Mackinac and Sugarloaf. It’s not a race, you can ski and take in the scenery at your leisure. Prizes awarded at 5:30pm, but cards may be turned in as early as noon.

Is that the dinner bell I hear a-clangin’?  I think it’s time to warm up with some of the tasty prize-winning chili.  Come join us in the tasty fun way to break up the winter blahs.
 

« Back To Articles