Community health and safety officials are urging attendees to follow safety precautions during this year’s chili cook-off. The event features chili samples from the fire and police departments, with specific instructions for participants.
Fire Department chili will be available for tasting. Organizers advise visitors to enjoy the flavor, dispose of used cups, napkins, and spoons in designated trash cans, and take their time mingling with firefighters. There are no special warnings associated with fire department chili.
For police department chili, officials recommend a cautious approach. Attendees are encouraged to discard the sample directly into the trash before tasting to avoid any health risks. Organizers joked that last year, someone passed out after trying police chili and that their hazardous materials team remains on standby.
Event organizers also remind visitors to keep the park clean, make good choices, and enjoy the festivities. They suggest sticking to coffee and donuts for those not sampling chili and leaving the cooking to the firehouse staff.
