In the last two years, there have been some fun and different entries into the
Mount Hood Lions Club’s annual Chili Cook-off, with ingredients ranging from
the traditional to not-so-traditional, such as rabbit and mole. Last year,
Hoodland Fire District’s Scott Kline took home both the judge’s and people’s
choice awards with his chili that featured flank steak smoked for eight hours.

“It’s really interesting, I love tasting them all,” David Buoy, Lions Club
member and third Vice President, said.

This year will be the third for the event, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept.
23, at the Lions Club, 24730 E. Woodsey Way in Welches, but it also offers so
much more than delicious chili. Event goers will also have the opportunity to
buy plants donated by area nurseries and peruse classic cars, all while raising
money to support theMount Hood Learning Center. In the past two years, the
event has raised approximately $3,000 for scholarships for local children to
attend the preschool.

“We are beyond thankful to the Lions Club to be able to offer something like
this to help out our program and the community,” Alicia Sperr, president of
the MHLC, said, noting the center helps prepare more than 30 children each
year for school. “We’ve been very fortunate to receive some great benefits to
give back to the kids in the community.”

Buoy noted that he hopes this year’s event is successful enough to provide
three scholarships.

This year’s event features a new voting method, with the people’s choice
award (voted by event goers) going to the best submission from a non-
profit/organization and the judge’s choice (voted by three judges unaffiliated
with the Lions Club) going to the best submission from an area restaurant.

Buoy also noted that some classic cars will be on hand this year, including a
Model A, two Packards and a Jaguar.

Chili tasting begins at 11 a.m., and tickets cost $5 for presale or $6 at the
door. Tickets will be available at Clackamas County Bank, Welches Mountain
Hardware or by calling 503 422-1117.