It will be a chili time at the junction

What: Chili Cook-off and Classic Car Show

Who: Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc.

Where: Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for children under 10 and children under 3 are free

Information: 530-622-4848 or visit morerehab.org/

There will be a feast for the senses at the Chili Cook-off and Classic Car Show presented by Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Burke Junction, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

The smell of chili cooking will definitely get everyone ready to sample the entries.

The taste buds will then be tantalized by the entries crafted by some of the best chili cooks in El Dorado County and the food and drinks from participating vendors will complete the meal.

The eye candy will come in the form of beautiful classic cars parked all around the Burke Junction parking lot.

Hearing the whistle sound as the train travels around Burke Junction will signal fond memories of a fun ride and the feel of a small stuffed toy won at a booth will bring joy to the happy winner.

The activities will start at 10 a.m. with the car show. The chili will be ready for tasting at noon and the fun will continue until 4 p.m. giving everyone plenty of time to see and do everything.

“We will have drawings for some great prizes. We’ve got a really special customized barbecue that we’re raffling off,” said Susie Davies, executive director of MORE.

“There will be hot dogs and barbecue beef sandwiches and cold drinks. We’ll have a display of art and our special needs artists will have their own display and there will be adult beverages as well,” said Davies.

The annual cook off and car show draws thousands from around Northern California and on event day Burke Junction is permeated with the smell of chili cooking.

“All the chili cooks come in the morning and they finish up by noon,” Davies said. “Once that is done, we have the people’s choice competition where people get to taste all the different chilis for a donation.”

She added the People’s Choice division has a first, second and third place award. In addition, there is a judges division which also has a first, second and third place award. The judges will also be tasting for the hottest and most unique.

“And then sometimes we have little contests within contests. This year Wells Fargo’s three branches are thinking of entering and competing against each other. We will also have live music by local favorite Out of the Blue. They’ve played locally in different places. We will have a bounce house and the classic car show with awards,” said Davies.

“Some chili cooks arrive at 6 a.m. to start making their chili.” she said.

“We are looking for chili cooks so anyone that has a special chili recipe or a classic car should call us.” Davies said.

All proceeds from the event go to MORE and donations to attend are $7 for adults, $5 for children under 10 and children under 3 are free.

“The best part is that it’s a true reflection of the community,” Davies said. “The chili cooks that come are businesses or individuals and they donate their time. Of course the band donates its time and the sponsors are all major community people. Businesses donate to the raffle prizes and then we have judges that come from all aspects of the community. It’s true that it takes a whole community to do a project like this to benefit people with developmental disabilities.”

For more information call 530-622-4848 or visit morerehab.org/.