Chili lovers from throughout the region will be sampling a variety of new entries in the Sixth annual “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” scheduled for Sunday, November 19th at Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille. The event benefits homeless animals at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.

The annual fundraiser draws hundreds of hungry chili fans who can choose from sixteen varieties of the spicy dish this year with competitors battling for two major prizes.

This year features new entries from Magoo’s (Cresson) with “Shovelhead”chili and “Mountain Madness.” Also new will be competition from Altoona’s Black & Gold Tavern, a Steeler themed tavern offering up “Red Zone” chili. Another new entry this year, Club Coconuts (Altoona) will be making “Jamaican Jerk” chili. Returning competitors include the Heidelberg Country Club (“HCC Tex/Mex Style” chili and “Three Bean Chili”), the U.S. Hotel Restaurant & Tavern (Hollidaysburg) with their spicy offering, “Holy Habanero!” chili,  The Phoenix (a previous “Best Bowl” winner) serving up a brand-new recipe this year they call “You’re Not Man Enough!” chili, The Bull Pen with “Bull Pen Chili” and an all-new entry this year, “El Toro Caliente” (the hot bull!),  Racer’s Sports Bar with “Pit Stop” and “Checkered Flag” chili and host restaurant Burgi’s Roundhouse with “Diesel Fuel” and “Steam Engine” chili.

The event will also feature raffle prizes a 50/50 and live entertainment by perennial local favorite “Zupe” (the one-man-band).

Top prize at the cook-off (“Best Bowl”) is a traveling trophy awarded to the best chili as chosen by a celebrity judging panel. The “People’s Choice” award is given on the basis of votes as cast by party-goers. Second and third place winners will be awarded plaques noting their achievement.

“This year we have a very special event we think will be a crowd-pleaser,” says Dave Hopkins, CPHS Director of Fundraising/Public Relations and ChiliFest organizer. “Joe Murgo (TV10 Chief Meteorologist) will be challenging local radio legend Dick DiAndrea (WALY) and sidekick “Eddie Ray” to a special and separate ‘grudge match cook-off’ to be decided by those who sample and vote. We know it’s going to be a tough competition but also a lot of fun!  Joe’s chili has won three previous individual competitions but Dick says Joe will lose this year!” says Hopkins. Joe’s chili is called “Murgo’s Meltdown” and Dick picked a name offered by his listeners, going with “Dick’s Chili ‘Ray’ Venge!”

The event always features a celebrity judging panel that this year will consist of Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page Editor, Bruce Wissinger, Altoona Mirror Managing Editor Neil Rudel, Sam Zema (Tyrone Daily Herald), Roger Corey, DJ and Program Director for WALY radio, Craig “The Iceman” Andrews (Q-94 radio), Elsie Zengel (Altoona Curve) and Doug Herendeen (WRTA radio).

“And our star panelist….just in case….is our favorite gastroenterologist, Dr. Ralph McKibbin!” added Hopkins.

Hopkins says “prime sponsors” for the event this year are City Beverage and New Look Uniform.  Additional sponsors include the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Blair Insurance, Blair Candy Company and V.I.P. Pets and Aquarium.

Tickets for the all-you-can eat event (beginning at 6pm) are $12 and can be purchased at the CPHS Shelter (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.), the CPHS Thrift Shop (220 E. Walton Ave., Altoona), Chris’ Hallmark (Pleasant Valley Shopping Center), Thompson Pharmacy (Chestnut Ave., Altoona), V.I.P. Pets/Aquarium and all competing restaurants/pubs.

All proceeds from the event go to help the homeless animals at the CPHS shelter.

For more information on the event, contact Dave Hopkins at: 942-2477.