ROCKLAND — More than five years ago, firefighter Carl Anderson thought there might be a more inspiring way for Rockland Professional Firefighters Local 1584 to do their annual fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association than standing outside the station with a big old black boot and hoping folks would drop some dollars in.

“Having worked in restaurants before I became a fireman, I thought a competitive food challenge would really get more people interested,” he said.

The best part of the Chili & Chowder Challenge (and why this makes the perfect Cheap Date) is that everybody is a judge and for a $10 entry fee, you can stuff your face on some of the best home-cooked comfort food Mainers can make. This is the fifth year of the challenge and those participating are bringing their A Game.

“Everyone gets a ballot and a bowl and they can walk around and try everything, sampling from the professional category of the 14 restaurants participating, as well as from the kitchens of 12 individuals, who are just your everyday mom and pop,” said Anderson.

“At this point, the people competing are pretty serious about winning,” said Anderson. “Everything that you can possibly imagine has been entered as a recipe. We’ve had chili made with moose, venison, bear and turkey as well as vegetarian, as well as chowder made with lobster, corn, scallop, clams. You name it; it’s been tried and people really go all out.”

When the doors open at 2 p.m. at Trackside Station in Rockland, the community will also be a diverse crowd with different intentions. 

“There are families bringing their children, grandparents up for an afternoon out, and people coming in hoping to see their friends and family win the contest,” said Anderson

But everyone is coming with an empty stomach, and no doubt, a discerning memory of the best dang chili or chowder that their parents or grandparents used to make.

Anderson said, “There’s a lot of bragging rights to winning this competition.”

Participating restaurants in this year’s Rockland Fire Department’ Chili & Chowder Challenge to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association include Trackside, The Highlands coffee House, Athens Pizza, Region 8 Culinary, ‘Wich Please, Yardbird Canteen, Pen Bay Hospital, Rockland Café, Thomaston Café, Eclipse, Waterworks, The Lobster Shack, Pho Sizzle, and Park Street Grille. Members of the individuals category include the Chris and Maria Solorzano, Maynard Stanley, Chris Oliver, Brian Sullivan, Ben Adams, Lisa Brandon, Scarborough Fire Department Local 3894, Faye and Anne, Rockland Police Department, St. George Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

The $10 admission at door includes a ballot.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com