Mike Wolanin | The Republic People order cups of chili during the Cheer Fund Chili-Cookoff at The Forge of 4th in Columbus, Ind., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
After four years, members of the Columbus Fire Department finally got to sit down and chat with the public Friday during the lunchtime version of the Cheer Fund Chili-Cookoff.
They have missed being able to socialize with friends and neighbors face-to-face at an indoor Chili-Cookoff, CFD spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson said. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the last sit-down Chili-Cookoff was back in the fall of 2019.
Many patrons who came during Friday’s lunch version at the Forge on Fourth said they also missed having a good time while also helping disadvantaged kids to receive Christmas gifts.
“It’s nice to be able to walk downtown at lunchtime, see everyone’s faces and have some good food” said Audrey Walters, who was joined by family members including her brother, Austin Whitted.
“With the holidays approaching, its nice to gather in a warm place, get out of the cooler weather, and just be with friends and family,” Whitted said.
With a consistent number of visitors throughout the lunchtime event, there were over 40 people in attendance at any given time during the lunch hour at the Forge on Fourth. While there were 11 different recipes of chili created, only four choices were made available during the inside event. All varieties were made available during the Friday evening drive-thru.
In recent years, the Cheer Fund Chili-Cookoff, considered one of the largest fundraisers for the holiday charity, offered only carry-out in the evenings. It was carry-out again Friday evening, but not because of a health risk. Cheer Fund co-chairman Ben Noblitt said it was to allow patrons to get their food quickly , so they could head to the big 7 p.m. football game. The Columbus North Bulldogs were hosting three-time defending Class 6A state champion and No. 2-ranked Center Grove.
The lunch-time version was more of a revival than a new event, patron Leslie Smith said. Several years ago at the old Commons, chili was served for the downtown workers, she said. Smith said she has attended the Chili Cook-Out for more than 20 years.
On the Cheer Fund’s Facebook page, some details regarding the different types of chili were posted.
But some firefighters such as Cody Ross only revealed three ingredients: elbow noodles, medium heat and lots of love.
Unique dishes include the one provided by Jeremiah Tracy that came from his grandmother’s recipe. She added roast beef to her chili.
In contrast, Jake Hempstead turned to his sister for a recipe, which includes Italian salad dressing. And Tyler Bullard showed he was truly a Hoosier at heart by adding bacon to his batch.
Most people use caution when ordering retired firefighter Bob Tempest’s chili. Tempest, who retired in 2006, grows his own peppers and isn’t afraid to use them, Noblitt said.
There was once a competition among firefighters to see who could make the hottest chili, Tempest said.
“But over the years, it kind of faded out, so I’m the only one left who still makes it,” he said.
Upcoming Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund events
Nov. 6 – Boxing of gifts will begin at the Cheer Fund headquarters at 2674 Verhulst Drive, just north of the Evolution Training Center. This year, one open boxing day will be offered in November, while another will take place in December. Each public boxing night is limited to 20 volunteers and their family members and organizers said all available group nights were filled up two weeks ago.
Nov. 13 – Bingo at the Moose Lodge, 330 Eighth St. Tickets are $50 each, which is good for 20 games. The 6 p.m. event is a ‘purse and gun’ fundraising Bingo game. Gift certificates to a gun store will be provided to some game winners while several purses have already been obtained. There will also be door prizes. This event is limited to only 200 players.
Nov. 18 – A 12-hour board game-a-thon will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hotel Indigo, 400 Brown St. This is a return to an era that came before video games. Nearly every classic board game will be played.
Dec. 9 – Deadline for applying for holiday assistance. The Holiday Helpline is accepting applications for assistance over the telephone at 812-375-2216. The hotline is used to seek assistance from the Community Center of Hope Angel Tree, Shop With A Cop and Toys for Tots, as well as the Cheer Fund. The helpline will be manned weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Delivery day for the 93rd annual Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
How to help
While the donation of a new toy is always welcome, Cheer Fund officials say cash contributions help their cause. The money can be used to purchase requested items that have not been donated. Monetary donations and new toys may be dropped off at any Columbus city fire station in preparation for this year’s toy distribution.
