Wilderness Trail Distillery will host the annual Charity Chili Cook-Off to benefit the Kiwanis Club Oct. 20 on the distillery grounds. The event’s entry and patron fees will benefit the Danville Kiwanis’ Christmas for Kids and Seniors. Visitors will get to enjoy a variety of chili, local food vendors, local artists, music and refreshing drinks.

Since 1927, the Danville Kiwanis Club has provided gifts of new clothing, coats, shoes and small toys for children over the holidays.

“This will be a very family-friendly event,” said Emily Toadvine, head of brand marketing for Wilderness Trail. She said the event will include free pumpkin decorating, as well as the Boyle County Public Library’s Bookmobile will be giving away free children’s books and hosting storytimes.

“Free face painting by the Boyle County High School Key Club will be offered, and the Boyle County High School Cheerleaders will sell hot-dog meals, in case any kids don’t want to eat chili,” she said.

Angela Frisby Photography will also be on site and will take family portraits for $25, which will include four edited images via email.

“We are expecting about 10 cooks preparing chili,” Toadvine said.

Tim Estes, otherwise known as DJ ESE, will provide tunes to keep the party going.

Many don’t realize it, but Kiwanis also supports local senior citizens. “The children and elderly who the Kiwanis support are not served by any other group,” Toadvine said. “With our community’s support, we can spread some needed joy this holiday season.”

All teams vying for the top taste award may enter Wilderness Trail Distillery’s second annual Charity Chili Cook-Off for a donation of $25 direct to the Kiwanis Club.

Tickets are $10 to attend the event and will be offered in advance. Proceeds go to the Kiwanis Club, and each ticket-holder gets unlimited chili tastings — and the hard task of voting for their favorites. Prize money is determined by number of entries. 

Celebrity judges include former University of Kentucky basketball star Cameron Mills; Boyle County Football Coach Chuck Smith; syndicated UK sports columnist Larry Vaught; and “Kentucky Taste Buds,” Leigh Roach and Tamara Schneider. 

Teams entering should prepare 1 quart of chili for the judges and another 3 gallons of chili for the tasters.

To obtain an entry form or purchase tickets, contact Emily Toadvine at Emily@wildernesstrailky.com, (859) 402-8707 or come by the distillery at 4095 Lebanon Road, Danville.