CULLMAN – Cullman Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is hosting their second annual Cullman County Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Feb. 25.
The event, which pits teams of local emergency responders against each other, is all about friendly competition, fellowship and a chance to meet the members of the community in which these brave men and women serve.
It's also about raising money for a cause. This year, that cause is a very special "bear."
Money raised at the event will go toward expenses for medical treatment and travel for Claire “Bear” Byars and her parents, Jeff and Heather Byars.
Claire is a 2-year-old from Cullman who is battling cancer at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The funds raised will go toward helping pay for medical treatment and her mother’s constant travel to Philadelphia to visit on her off days.
Claire is the granddaughter of Melanie Jones, a long-time paramedic at Cullman EMS. Jeff Byars is the EMS captain of the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department and is the EMS Officer for the Cullman County Fire Association. Heather Byars is an EMR (Emergency Medical Responder). She was the first licensed EMR in the state of Alabama. Both are currently on inactive duty due to the ongoing care for Claire.
The chili cook-off is open to all emergency responders- EMS, law enforcement and fire personnel, and is not limited to Cullman County departments.
The cost to enter is $10 per team.
“Last year we had about 10 teams,” said James Curtis Jr., director of Cullman EMS. “We are looking to greatly expand.”
Curtis says he believes the event is a great opportunity for members of the Cullman community to meet the men and women who work hard to keep residents of Cullman County safe.
Chili will be $1 per bowl, and there will be door prizes given away at the event.
The cook-off will take place at Cullman EMS downtown- 601 Second Ave. SW, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25.
The chili cook-off is open to teams of law enforcement, EMS or fire personnel, paid or volunteer. The entry fee is $10. Each team should be two or more people. Multiple teams from an agency can enter. Individuals can also enter. The tasting is open to the public, and everyone will be able to vote for their favorite chili. The cost will be $1 for a tasting bowl.
For more information, entry forms, or to make a donation (either monetary or in the form of a gift certificate or door prize), please contact:
- Donnie-Dawn Holmes (dawn.holmes@cullmanregional.com)
- Mary Willingham (mary.willingham@cullmanregional.com)
- Jennifer Young (jennifer.young@cullmanregional.com or 256-595-4135)
When asked why have the event centered around a chili cook-off, Curtis responded simply, “Who doesn’t love chili?”
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