A Chili Cookoff and Cornhole Tournament will be held on Saturday, September 24, from 1 to 5 pm on the Clifton Forge campus of Mountain Gateway Community College (formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.) The dual community event, hosted by the MGCC Educational Foundation, will not only benefit MGCC students but also two area police officers who were tragically killed.
Proceeds from the Chili Cookoff, aptly named “GREAT BOWLS OF FIRE,” will benefit MGCC students by providing financial assistance to student activity clubs, athletic programs, as well as student success initiatives expenses, according to Vicki Pickle, MGCC Scholarship & Development Coordinator.
Proceeds from the Cornhole Tournament will go to the family of Officer Caleb Ogilivie and to the Jay Patterson Memorial Scholarship. Ogilive was an officer with the Covington Police Department, and Patterson was a retired Assistant Chief with the Buena Vista Police Department. “Both proudly served the communities in our service area,” noted Pickle.
The admission fee of $20 covers 3 chili tastings, a non-alcoholic beverage, watching the cornhole tournament, and listening to the performance. “This is going to be a great community event, including live music and a beer & wine garden,” added Pickle. Performers include Bruce Allen, Jason Burk and Donnie Higgins.
The entry fee to participate in the chili cookoff is $50. First place prize is $500; second and third places prizes are $250 and $100, respectively.
The entry fee for each two-person team to compete in the cornhole tournament is $50. Registration starts at noon, with the first match at 1 pm. The championship match is at 4 pm. First place wins $500; second, $250; and third, $100.
For more information; to register in advance; or to inquire about a sponsorship, which includes a number of perks, such as tickets to the beer garden and chili cookoff, or a corporate logo displayed, contact Pickle at (540) 863-2835 or email vpickle@mgcc.edu.