Chili cook-off fundraiser for first responders

Heidi Desch, Daily Inter Lake, Kalispell, Mont.
Updated ·2 min read

Jun. 22—Flathead Valley first responders will be cooking up their best chili Saturday, June 24 for an event that looks to raise funds for their own.

The First Responders Chili Cook Off runs from 1-5:30 p.m. in Bigfork. In addition to the chili tasting and competition, the first-time event includes a barbecue, kids fishing and games, and a silent auction.

The Bigfork, Creston, Ferndale, Kalispell, Evergreen, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Somers/Lakeside fire departments, along with the Flathead National Forest Swan Lake District, ALERT, Flathead County Sheriff and Montana Highway Patrol Division VI are participating in the day. Proceeds from the day will be divided equally between the 13 participating agencies.

Organizer Richard Michaud said the event came out of a conversation over coffee regarding a way to raise funds for the nonprofit organizations that support the agencies. The goal is to make it an annual event and expand the number of agencies.

"We had an idea to do a chili cook-off and have the first responders be the ones doing the cooking," Michaud said. "We want to help first responders. We all take for granted that when we dial 911 somebody is there. Many of these people are volunteers or put their lives on hold to do this."

Chili will be submitted to judges with first, second and third prizes being handed out. A people's choice award will also be given based on the votes of the attendees.

The silent auction has roughly 100 items including restaurant, garden center and salon gift cards, golfing packages and signed baseball cards.

Fire truck rides will also be available.

Michaud said the day is planned to be fun along with a fundraiser.

"It's about the first responders and families," he said. "We want the kids to come and meet the first responders."

Admission is $30 for adults and children are free. Tickets are sold only at the door.

The event is at the Paladin Conservancy's Wrangler Springs Ranch, located at 6850 Montana 35, Bigfork.

Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.