Chelsea American Legion Winter Carnival Set for Weekend

For those brave enough to venture outdoors this weekend, American Legion Post 41 in Chelsea will host its annual winter carnival, featuring games, raffles, and a chili cook-off.

The festivities begin on Friday with a Euchre tournament at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $5, and participants must be at least 18.

On Saturday, the festival will resume at 7 a.m. with breakfast at the American Legion hall. A planned ice fishing derby on Cavanaugh Lake has been canceled.

The 22nd Cavanaugh Lake Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 31 will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with public tasting and judging from 1 to 3 p.m.

Event coordinator Larry Doll said entry slots are still available for the contest. The fee is $25.

"We usually have eight to 10 cooks, and this year we're right at a half dozen, so we're looking for more participation," Doll said.

Chili samples will be available for 50 cents each. Recipes will be judged by Brandon Johns of Grange Kitchen & Bar, Phil Tolliver of Smokehouse 52 Barbecue, and Nick Ringe of Back to the Roots. Celebrity judges include U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, and former state Rep. Mark Ouimet.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners. To register for the cook-off, call Larry Doll at 734-260-1540.

Following the chili cook-off, the band Star 69 will perform classic rock and country music beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The carnival will wrap up on Sunday with breakfast at the hall at 7 a.m., and a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. Tickets for the raffle are $2, or six for $10. One lucky ticket will be picked to win up to $5,000.

"The prize money depends on how many people buy tickets," American Legion Cmdr. John Beeman said. "We hope to have a good turnout and a lot of participation this year."

For more information about the carnival, call 734-475-1964.