Chili cook-off fundraiser for first responders
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | June 22, 2023 12:00 AM
Flathead Valley first responders will be cooking up their best chili Saturday, June 24 for an event that looks to raise funds for their own.
The First Responders Chili Cook Off runs from 1-5:30 p.m. in Bigfork. In addition to the chili tasting and competition, the first-time event includes a barbecue, kids fishing and games, and a silent auction.
The Bigfork, Creston, Ferndale, Kalispell, Evergreen, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and Somers/Lakeside fire departments, along with the Flathead National Forest Swan Lake District, ALERT, Flathead County Sheriff and Montana Highway Patrol Division VI are participating in the day. Proceeds from the day will be divided equally between the 13 participating agencies.
Organizer Richard Michaud said the event came out of a conversation over coffee regarding a way to raise funds for the nonprofit organizations that support the agencies. The goal is to make it an annual event and expand the number of agencies.
“We had an idea to do a chili cook-off and have the first responders be the ones doing the cooking,” Michaud said. “We want to help first responders. We all take for granted that when we dial 911 somebody is there. Many of these people are volunteers or put their lives on hold to do this.”
Chili will be submitted to judges with first, second and third prizes being handed out. A people’s choice award will also be given based on the votes of the attendees.
The silent auction has roughly 100 items including restaurant, garden center and salon gift cards, golfing packages and signed baseball cards.
Fire truck rides will also be available.
Michaud said the day is planned to be fun along with a fundraiser.
“It’s about the first responders and families,” he said. “We want the kids to come and meet the first responders.”
Admission is $30 for adults and children are free. Tickets are sold only at the door.
The event is at the Paladin Conservancy’s Wrangler Springs Ranch, located at 6850 Montana 35, Bigfork.
Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].
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