Midwest's Largest Chili Cookoff is Setpember 11 in downtown Edgerton, WI featuring Live Music and great entertainment!

Chilimania, a non profit community music and chili festival, is set for September 11, 2004 in downtown Edgerton. This festival is the largest chili cookoff in the Midwest and home of the Wisconsin Chili Appreciation Society International state cook off. More than 60 cooks will have chili for an expected crowd of 3,500 visitors. Featured music includes Pink Houses (John Mellencamp tribute band), and MadiSalsa. A previous release had the wrong date on it. To confirm, the event date is SEPTEMBER 11, 2004.

EDGERTON (PRWEB) August 23, 2004 -- Its a world of contrasts at Chilimania. Theres chili so hot it will make your hair curl while theres music so cool youll feel the chill of fall in the air. All are welcome to attend the festival 11:00 a.m. to midnight at the intersection of Canal and Henry Streets, one block off the junction of Highways 51 and 59 in Edgerton on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Chilimania, a one-day festival of live music, chili contests, chili sampling and other food and fun, has become one of the largest chili cook-off contests in the Midwest and attracted more than 60 cooks last year.

Last year we had a record number of chili cooks and by all estimations, were expecting to set a record again this year," said Chilimania President Bruce Morris. Weve become the premiere chili cook-off in the Midwest, thanks in part to both local cooks and those that travel from afar to compete."

Chili sets the stage for sampling, but dont forget the music. At 9 p.m., Chilimania is going back to its roots as the organizations co-founder Tom Reitz takes the stage with his band, Pink Houses, the ultimate tribute band to John Mellencamp.

Its great to have Tom up on the stage where he belongs, but better yet are the 10 other band members joining him," Morris said. This band showcases some of the areas best talent and they have chosen to play our gig. Youre in for a treat when you see Pink Houses as they feature all instruments -- from accordion to violin and guitar to saxophone."
Warming up the stage for Pink Houses is Steve Richards, a musician who pays tribute to both Garth Brooks and Neil Diamond. No, Richards doesnt have multiple-personalities, but he does have great talent," Morris added. Richards takes the stage from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Looking for a little salsa to go with your chili? Madisalsa, Madisons favorite dance band, will entertain the crowd from 2 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 to 5 p.m. This 10-member band is devoted to the musical traditions of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic -- sounds that are sure to keep the crowd while they are tasting chili.

But dont forget a favorite of Chilimania with their mellow, smooth sounds as Monday Morning Dixie Band plays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This band is the only band to play every year at Chilimania and we wouldnt have it any other way," Morris explained. They know our crowd and the crowd loves them... I hope they keep coming back for many years to come."

Of course, it wouldnt be Chilimania without the featured ingredient -- CHILI. For the eighth year, Chilimania will be a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) event and will simultaneously host a CASI-sanctioned cook-off and a traditional (open) chili judging. Chili cookers from throughout the Midwest and as far as Texas are expected to descend upon Edgerton to compete.

Chefs may enter either contest, or both, for one entry fee. The festival opens to cookers at 7 a.m. with a cooks meeting at 10 a.m. A salsa contest will also be held from noon to 1 p.m. Registered cookers can also bring homemade salsa and chips for judging by a select panel of judges.

And once again, Edgerton is host to the 2004 Wisconsin State Championship CASI Cook-off during the festival.

This is a tremendous opportunity for Edgerton," said Morris. It should provide a ton of fabulous chili for our visitors to taste."
The chili tasting will begin at 3 p.m. this year. Chili samples can be had by purchasing a sample cup and spoon for $2 at the festival. Proceeds benefit Chilimania community projects and scholarships.
There are plenty of activities for the kids in the family with a jumping booth, nickel toss and other childrens games running from noon to 5 p.m.

Of course, if chilis not your thing, a variety of vendors will be on-hand with taste treats.

Chilimania gates open to the public at 11 a.m. and all activities can be enjoyed for a $4 admission fee at the gate. Advance tickets for $2 are available from a number of Edgerton area businesses.
For more information on Chilimania, please contact 608-884-3358 (days).

# # #

CONTACT: VICKI BROWN (608) 884-4307 OR TOM REITZ (608) 884-3358