Co-op preschool to host Chili Cookoff

The Manchester Co-op Preschool, now located in the Klager Elementary building, has been part of the Manchester community since 1964.

Add another returning event to Manchester's list of spring and summer events!

This time, it's the annual Chili Cookoff, hosted by the Manchester Co-op Preschool. The cookoff will be held at the Manchester Sportsman Club starting at 5 pm on Saturday, April 17.

Due to state regulations, only 10 cooks can be accommodated this year, so the competition will be stiff! To pre-register, get in touch with Ashley Rickert (734-678-2230) or Heather Smith (734-474-6217) before April 14. They can also provide all of the guidelines and rules as to how the chili can be prepared.

"We will have an outdoor tent for seating, and we can host 300 people outdoors per state guidelines," Heather says.

There will be a silent auction as well as "lottery" tickets to help the preschool raise funds for its program. Like many non-profits, without the ability to hold fund-raising events during 2020, these programs have taken a serious financial blow. Your support of the preschool will help this local tradition, started in 1964, to continue to serve families many years into the future!

Music and lights will be provided in the tent and attendees are invited to BYO cooler with your beverage of choice!

The "lottery" tickets, sold at $10 apiece, will net one lucky winner a cash prize of $500. You need not be present to win. Contact either Heather or Ashley to purchase your tickets.

"We are excited for a fun, safe, community event to help the Manchester Co-Op Preschool," Heather concludes.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.