Chili cooks are currently being sought to enter the Seventh Annual "Chilly Chili Challenge" at the Lakeside Winter Celebration to be held at Ontario Beach Park on Sunday, February 11. The deadline for entries is February 5.

This popular "cook-off" competition has previously attracted contestants from well-known area restaurants including last year's winner - The Bayside. The contest is held indoors at the "Theatre on the West Bank" (near Lake Avenue and Beach Avenue). Crowds always devour every bite of chili while enjoying live entertainment and seeking warmth from the outdoor activities.

Categories for both professionals and amateurs gives restaurants, caterers and non-profit groups an opportunity to put their favorite recipes on the line while competing against their peers. A panel of judges selects the "Best Chili in Rochester" while the tasting public votes for the "People's Choice Award." Cash prizes and plaques are awarded to first place winners and runners-up. Although there is no entry fee, all competitors must obtain an off-site health department permit, which requires chili preparation at an approved kitchen and providing a certified food handler at the contest.

Contestants may try traditional, seafood, vegetarian or even game animal recipes to add variety to this every popular contest. The Lakeside Winter Celebration is sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and the City of Rochester. Call Alan Colletta at 428-6131 for more information and/or an entry form.