Tri-State’s Largest Chili Cook-Off, presented by Calico Bean Market will be held this Saturday, October 1. This family-friendly tradition will again be held at Cable Car Square at 4th and Bluff in downtown Dubuque and everyone is encouraged to attend!

The event starts at 10 a.m. with public chili tasting available starting at 1pm for just $5 per person. Additional entertainment is available for the whole family, including live music from Sun Green.

Kids' games are available all day, in addition to various food vendors and all Bluff Street merchants open for business. Beer will be available and sold by the Dubuque Sertoma Club, a club I've been a member of for more than 20 years.  Our Dubuque Sertoma club provides hearing aids and implants for are residents who cannot afford them.  Donations to our Sertoma Club will also be accepted at the ticket and beer stands.

Full details can be found on the Tri-State’s Largest Chili Cook-Off Facebook page. Special thanks to all the sponsors for this event, including major sponsors: Hirschbach Trucking, The Calico Bean Market, McCoy Group/Freightliner, and Fenelon Place Elevator. Proceeds will benefit Hills & Dales, and specifically the “911 Christmas” event.

This event provides Christmas gifts for each resident at the Hills & Dales Residential Center and additional needs throughout the year. Hills & Dales is a Dubuque-based non-profit dedicated to building meaningful lives for individuals with disabilities by offering services that support the whole person and enhance community inclusion.

To learn more about Hills & Dales programs and employment opportunities, call 563-556-7878 or visit www.hillsdales.org.