IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 16, 2012
3rd Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Festival at Nemacolin Woodlands
Farmington, PA (May 16, 2012) – It was just three short months ago that fire destroyed the Sundial Ski Lodge at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and in keeping with tradition, the resort will stage that very same area to raise monies for the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. The 3rd Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off is slated for Saturday, June 9th. 2012 will mark the second year that the Mountain Madness event has been designated as a regional competition by the International Chili Society. Although the Cook-Off is the highlight of the day, the celebration will include radio broadcasts, a craft fair, Brewfest, family adventure activities and live entertainment. A number of Pittsburgh athletes and broadcast personalities are donating their time to help select the winning cooks in three categories.
“When we began this event three years ago, we wanted to create a festive day for our guests and neighbors as well as to give back to the community by raising monies for our local emergency responders”, said Chris Plummer, General Manager. Proceeds from the Cook-Off will benefit the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. “This year’s event has even more significance as these volunteers were instrumental in controlling the massive blaze that destroyed our ski lodge in February” added Plummer. Over the past two years, the Mountain Madness Cook-Off has yielded more than $15,000 in contributions for the department.
This year’s Cook-Off will feature appearances by well-known athletes and personalities. Pittsburgh Steelers Brett Keisel and Cameron Heyward along with Penguin great Phil Bourque and current NHL star, Arron Asham have graciously agreed to join the resort in their efforts to support the Farmington VFD by participating as celebrity judges. The field of judges also includes regional food writers and Clear Channel radio personalities. WTAE-TV morning anchor, Michelle Wright, will be on hand to emcee the awards ceremony.
The day will begin at 10:30 a.m. when the traditional “Lighting of the Stoves” marks the start of the official competition as cooks from throughout the United States compete for cash prizes in three categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa, as well as vying for the opportunity to advance to the World’s Championship. Local residents are invited to test their culinary skills in the Community Chili Cook-Off held each year in conjunction with this event. This year’s festivities will also include a Restaurant Division in which local chefs and eateries can compete for prizes and more importantly, bragging rights. In addition to the Chili Cook-Off and tasting, guests can enjoy a wide array of activities throughout the day.
A specially priced All Access Adventure Pass will be available and includes the outdoor climbing wall, FatBird Flyer zipline, the ropes course and more. The Girlz in Black Hats and The Delaney’s will provide live musical entertainment while WDVE will broadcast music throughout the day. Pony rides, crafts and carnival games are planned for children while adults are invited to taste more than 50 signature beers at the festival’s Brewfest.
Admission to the event is complimentary and chili tasting kits are available for $5.00 with all proceeds being donated to the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. A portion of Brewfest revenues and various raffles throughout the day will also benefit the firemen. To register for the Community and Restaurant Cook-Offs, please contact Ashli Mazer at 724-329-6387. Craft vendors can reserve space by calling Grace Shaffer at 724-329-6380 while breweries interested in participating can contact Julie King at 724-329-6279. For a complete schedule of the day’s events, visit nemacolin.com.
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