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Chili cook-off to raise funds for So. Charleston pool and park
South Charleston Community Park is the place to be on Oct. 13. The private, non-profit corporations that run the park and the adjacent community pool have joined forces to host an afternoon fund-raiser. The family-friendly festivities run from noon to 6 p.m. The event includes a chili cook-off. Each entrant must make a large pot of his or her best chili. Set-up starts at 11 a.m. The entry fee is $20. A panel of judges and the public will vote for their favorites. The public can purchase a bowl of chili for $3 or taste test all of the chilis for $5. A cornhole contest will start at 1 p.m. Registration is $10 per team. At 2 p.m., the South Charleston Police Department and Madison Township Fire Department will square off in a softball game. Raffles, including a 50/50, will take place during the game with all proceeds benefiting the park and pool. Both departments will display some of their vehicles. “The game is a way to draw people to the park to cheer for their favorite fireman or policeman,” said Sgt. Brian Redish. Also planned are a pony keg toss at 4 p.m., games for children and adults all day long, a silent auction, and live entertainment. In addition to chili, food available for purchase will include cornbread, pies, cakes, hot dogs and more. “The money we raise will go toward the daily maintenance of the park and pool,” said Lorie Delaney, president of the South Charleston Community Park board. The amount of United Way funding the park receives has decreased. The fund-raiser is one way the board is working to fill the gap. Among the park’s expenses are equipment upkeep, fuel and fertilizer. The pool relies primarily on pool memberships to offset operational costs. Park and pool board members held a yard sale in conjunction with South Charleston’s community sale this summer. All proceeds went to the pool. Among the pool’s regular expenses are water and chlorine. A large-ticket item on the to-do list is replacement of the pool’s heater. South Charleston Community Park is located on Route 42 behind the Asian Grill Restaurant. The park and the pool share an entrance. For more information about any part of the Oct. 13 fund-raiser, call the park office at (937) 462-5078.
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