By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
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The 24th annual Winchester EMS Chili Cook-off will take place Saturday, Jan. 28. The last two chili cook-offs were canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. The chili cook-off is a critical fundraiser for the ambulance service, which relies heavily on fundraisers and donations to assist with operating expenses and the purchase of needed equipment and supplies.
After being canceled because of COVID-19 the last two years, the Winchester EMS Chili Cook-off is back this year.
The event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the EMS building.
This year marks the 24th chili cook-off EMS fundraiser.
Because Winchester EMS is not currently supported by tax dollars, fundraisers and donations are a vital source of funding for the ambulance service
Before the 2021 chili cook-off was canceled, Winchester EMS service’s Jennifer McMillen said that the cook-off routinely brings in thousands of dollars, used to purchase life-saving supplies and equipment.
The registration fee for the chili contest is $30 per team. A salsa contest also takes place during the chili cook-off. Teams may enter the salsa contest for $10, or they can enter both contests for $40. General admission to the event is $5.
To register for the chili/salsa competition or for information on donating to Winchester EMS, residents are encouraged to call the Winchester EMS building at 217-742-3467 or McMillen at 217-248-9692.
