WELLS

Chili makers invited to do their thing Aug. 29

The annual Chili Fest, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at Wells Junior High on Route 1.

The cook-off is one of the last chances chili fans will have to qualify in the World Championship, which will be held Oct. 9-11 in Charleston, W. Va.

Over the past seven years, the event has attracted entrants from all over the Eastern Seaboard and from as far away as California and Nevada.

The three categories are red chili (traditional) made with beef and red, ripened chili peppers; green chili (verde) made with either chicken or pork and green chili peppers; and salsa. The salsa is the only entry that does not have to be made on site.

The winner of the red chili division collects $300 and a plaque. First place in the green chili category gets $150 and a plaque. The best salsa maker receives $100 and a plaque. There are also cash prizes for second and third place in the chili categories.

Other prizes include the "People's Choice Chili" ($250) and "Best Booth/Showmanship" ($50).

Food vendors and crafters will also be part of the festival.

FREEPORT

Live the chocolate lover's dream at Wilbur's of Maine

Chocoholics, your prayers have been answered.

Wilbur's of Maine is hosting its first all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at its store at 174 Lower Main St.

Tickets are $20 each or two for $36, and can be purchased at any Wilbur's of Maine store.

The buffet will include caramels, creams, chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles, turtles and other confections.

For more information, call 865-4071.

MONMOUTH

Centennial celebration Aug. 19 at Highmoor Farm

Maine's food and agricultural heritage will be celebrated at Highmoor Farm, the University of Maine's research farm, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Aug. 19.

This is the farm's centennial. The state of Maine established the facility in 1909 to conduct research on apples. The university later took over the farm and now has research projects involving apples, strawberries, sweet corn and other fruits and vegetables.

The morning will be filled with remarks from state officials and people from the university and the agriculture industry. Afternoon tours will begin at 12:30 p.m. There will be a tomato variety testing event at 2:15 p.m.

The farm is located on Route 202, about 15 miles outside of Augusta.

HARPSWELL

Shore dinner to aid community scholarship

There will be a shore dinner fundraiser to support the Fishing Families for Harpswell Community Scholarship from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at Mitchell Field.

A dinner that includes lobster, a pound of mussels, corn, potato and dessert will cost $25. Add a lobster for an extra $5. The children's menu, which costs $7, features a hot dog or hamburger, corn, chips or potato and dessert.

Advance tickets are available until Saturday for $22. The event will be held rain or shine, under a tent.

For more information, call Paul at 833-7804.

Mitchell Field is located on Route 123, 10.5 miles from the intersection of Routes 123 and 24.