Annual Chili Cook-Off Bringing the Heat to Hampton Beach

Thursday is the annual Hampton Firefighters Local 2664 Chili Cook-Off.

The event, which is the primary fundraiser for the Hampton Firefighters Toy Bank, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Wally's Pub.

Chili-lovers are asked to give at least a $5 donation at the door, and in exchange will receive unbridled access and judging rights to over 30 different types of chili made by a variety of local residents, businesses and firefighters looking to take home bragging rights, according to Firefighter Buck Frost. 

The donation also includes entry into the night's 50/50 raffle.

The Old Salt won first place in the business/professional category of the 2012 cook-off. TNT Subs took second, while The 401 Tavern took third.

The Reading, Mass., Fire Department won first place in the individual/non-professional category, while Hampton Firefighter Jason Newman and retired Hampton Fire Capt. Rusty Bridle won second and third place, respectively.

More information about the cook-off, including details about how to enter your own chili into the competition, is available by calling 396-8186 or 918-8940.

More information about the Hampton Firefighters Toy Bank, including details about when donation boxes will be out, is available by contacting the department at 926-3316.

Unopened, unused toy donations are currently being accepted at either Hampton fire station.