Next month, Quad Cities area firefighters will face the ultimate battle: Who makes the best firehouse chili?
From 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, all local career fire departments and many volunteer departments across the region will face off in the second annual Quad Cities Firefighter Chili Cook Off at the Isle of Capri Bettendorf’s covered parking lot.
The contest’s proceeds will benefit the Bettendorf Firefighters Benevolent Fund, an organization established by Bettendorf Firefighters and their families to support the health and welfare of the firefighter and first responder communities in Bettendorf and throughout the area, according to a news release from the city.
Sponsored by Navigate Realty, the event brings together firefighters for a safe and fun competition. For $10, area chili lovers can sample every fire department’s recipe and vote for the winner.
The event also will feature an esteemed panel of celebrity judges, including:
- Reggie Freeman, East Moline mayor.
- Bob Gallagher, Bettendorf mayor.
- Mike Matson, Davenport mayor.
- Mike Thoms, Rock Island mayor.
- Decker Ploehn, Bettendorf city administrator.
- Pat Angerer, former Iowa Hawkeye/Indianapolis Colts player.
- Pat “The Croatian Sensation” Miletich, mixed martial artist.
- Westend Wang, social media star.
- Dave Levora, radio personality and host of “Brewed TV” on WQAD.
- David Bohlman, anchor of “Good Morning Quad Cities” on WQAD.
- Dave Heller, Quad Cities River Bandits owner with special guest Rascal, the mascot.
- Malik Duncan, Quad City Steamwheelers player.
- Nate Sheets, Quad City Steamwheelers player.
- Dillion Fournier, Quad City Storm player with special guest Radar, the mascot.
The event also will include performances from QC Rock Academy students, a special beer can created by Adventurous Brewing, Bettendorf, and more.
For more information, visit the event website.
