Just got back from Belfast, Maine, where they held the first Downeast Maine Regional Chili Cookoff and the first Maine State Championship. Great job by Dave Bowen and Jeff Burgess for a first year event. This week will be another first-time event - the Hard Times Chili Cookoff in Columbia, Maryland. The cookoff will be held outside the new Hard Times Cafe on Saturday, August first from 11AM til about 4:00. Hard Times is located off Dobbin Road behind Apple Ford. Hope many of you in the area can make it. There will be quite a few world class CASI chilis being prepared. There will also be a freestyle (no rules) chili competition. Cook up a pot of your favorite recipe and bring it on down. Alan