Organizer chef shelby davis. photo: schroonlaker collection. all rights reserved

There’s an event that foodies and chefs near and far look forward to each February: where taste buds are warmed and reputations defended: The Schroon Lake Annual Chili Cook-Off.

This year’s cook-off is Saturday, February 21st at the Mountainside Gymnasium, opposite the Paradox Brewery.

Now in its fourth year, Organizer Shelby Davis is just as excited as she was the first year about the event, which raises funds for Schroon’s EMS.

And as the event has grown each year, Shelby’s mission has been to take it from just a local cook off and expand it include restaurants from within the Blue Line.

“We are reaching out to chefs and their restaurants, diners and dive bars from all over the North Country,” Shelby told Schroon Laker.

Shelby says the more restaurants that participate, it’s a win-win for both attendees and the dining establishments.

“Expanding the cook-off allows chefs from outside of the Schroon area to publicize their restaurants and menus and find new customers, who in turn get to taste their chili,” Shelby said.

The event also attracts some amazing chilis cooked by area Firehouses and EMS Squads – where bragging rights about who wins is a high honor.

Last year’s event -- featuring more than 20 chilis -- raised more than $1200 for the Schroon Lake EMS squad.There are trophies awarded in four categories: Best Meaty Chili, Best Veggie Chili, Best Chili by a Fire/ EMS/Rescue Squad and the People’s Choice Award.

Fore more information, click here.