ST. PAUL – Food is a staple at most any festivity, and that includes the 2023 St. Paul Rodeo Week celebration. Beyond lassos and fearless cowboys and cowgirls stepping into the arena, the week-long event is also roping in various food opportunities for the public to enjoy.
Among them is the annual Chili Cook-Off by Cornerstone Co-op, scheduled for Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the outdoor common area, near the St. Paul food store.
Jordyn Prior, marketing and community engagement manager at Cornerstone Co-op, says the cook-off is one of the biggest events hosted by the Co-op every year. And, “The community is more than welcome to get involved.”
More than 10 businesses and organizations will compete in this year’s chili cook-off championship.
Once all the chili is cooked, the public can taste test a bowl of chili for a $5 donation. People can pick their bowl of chili from any of the competitors, and they can also test out a few different varieties. The tables will be located right outside Co-op and are easily spotted.
The proceeds from this year’s chili cook-off will go toward St. Paul Minor Ball. Members of the organization will be on hand collecting donations and guiding attendees toward the chili. Each participating business will have their own tent or table, “And you can go to any vendor and fill up a scoop or a bowl of chili, depending on how many you want to taste,” says Prior.
People can also sit at the tables and listen to the music played by a DJ, while eating their chili.
Organizers are expecting around 500 people to attend this year’s cook-off, which is similar to the turnout in previous years.
Co-op has also been working with Black Ace Collision and Northern Source Rentals for the past three years to not only put on a successful chili cook-off, but also host a car show at the same time.
The car show will happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, giving attendees the chance to see a selection of antique vehicles before or after grabbing their chili.
More food opportunities
On Saturday, prior to the 10 a.m. parade on Sept. 2, Co-op will also host its “Famous Pancake Breakfast,” also located at the Co-op parking lot area. People can enjoy a breakfast of pancakes and sausages for a minimum donation of $5. This year’s proceeds will be given to the St. Paul Museum.
In addition to Co-op, many other food opportunities are available throughout rodeo week.
On Wednesday, for a minimum $5 donation, the public is invited for lunch at the Burgers-on-the-Grill event from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Servus Credit Union parking lot. Proceeds from the lunch will be donated to Haying in the 30’s Cancer Support Society.
Then on Thursday, ATCO Electric is hosting its 26th annual pancake breakfast in the morning, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with proceeds going to the St. Paul Regional FCSS’ Camp Sunshine. The breakfast will take place at the St. Paul ATCO office.
Meanwhile, people may find a striking deal on Friday to fill their bellies.
On Sept. 1, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., the St. Paul Legion Branch 100 is hosting a pancake breakfast. Then for lunch, people can head to the St. Paul Home Hardware from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a $3 hot dog lunch. Proceeds will go to the St. Paul Legion.
For supper, the public is invited to the $6 Pulled Pork Supper at the St. Paul Recreation Centre at 4:30 p.m., hosted by the County and the Town of St. Paul.
On Sept. 2, also at the St. Paul Recreation Centre, a Ukrainian lunch will be held at 11:30 a.m., catered by Shirley’s Catering. The cost is $20 per plate for adults, $10 per plate for children, and there will also be $5 hot dogs.
And if you’re thirsty after all those meals, make sure you grab a ticket for the annual adults-only beer fest, set for Saturday night at the St. Paul Recreation Centre. This year’s music will be provided by Jordyn Pollard and Brayden King. Tickets are $20 each.
