Local businesses and individuals will compete Friday night in downtown Warsaw for bragging rights for who can make the best chili.
The community is invited to First Friday "Chili Nights" Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. on Buffalo Street between Market and Main streets.
Businesses and individuals will have booths and tents set up to compete for chili-making bragging rights.
Participating chili cook-off businesses include Rex's Rendezvous, Brown Bag Deli, Smokin' Charlie's Barbecue, B Mac's, 8 WW Cuisines, Tommy's Hot Dogs, Viand Chef Services, Bogey's Steakhouse and Mad Anthony's, Dennie House and Chocolate Café and Boutique Shop.
Individual entries include Bill "Dig" DeGaetano and others.
Judges are Bob Sanders, Gary Gerard and Mary Kittrell.
Awards include People's Choice, with a penny per vote; Judge's Choice and Honorable Mention.
Prizes include a $50 gift certificate to spend at downtown businesses, an apron with the logo of "Chili Nights" and a personalized cooking spatula.
People who attend "Chili Nights" will receive free samples of chili.
There will be a beer tent from 5 to 10 p.m. on Buffalo Street across from the former Reader's World.
Downtown merchants will offer discounts.
A hay maize will be at the former National City parking lot, sponsored by Warsaw Community High School Future Farmers of America and Ed Boggs.
Warsaw Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to show people Jupiter if the night is clear, and a downtown hay ride will be sponsored by Boggs. There will be free hot chocolate, and Morning Star Four Square Church will pass out cornbread.
Warsaw Community Public Library will offer teen gaming events. Call the library at 574-267-6011 to reserve a spot.
A blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the courthouse square.
Live music by Fair Fjola will be at 7:30 p.m. at the county annex building, formerly First Christian Church, at the corner of Lake and Main streets.
There will be a children's and family activity area, an appearance by Batman, face painting, a family musical show from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free glowstick necklaces for children and Magical Meadows will display its miniature horses and alpacas.
Master Gardeners will provide a demonstration, and Fellowship Mission will have a hot cider stand.
