FERRYSBURG — Rebecca Hopp knew when neighborhood friend Dick Holmstead passed away in 2007 he could not be forgotten.
Hopp, along with JoAnn Grotemat, banded with their fellow neighbors to create an event in honor of their friend. Together, the Cecelia Lane residents of Ferrysburg orchestrated the annual Smith’s Bayou Chili Cook-off in 2007. Financial constraints put a halt to the cook-off in 2008, but public support brought it back again this year, she said. Proceeds from the inaugural event totaled $500 and were donated to Hospice of Michigan in memory of Holmstead. This year’s cook-off will benefit the Susan G. Komen’s “Passionately Pink for the Cure” program, which helps raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. The event is Aug. 22, noon-3:30 p.m., on Cecelia Lane in Ferrysburg. The event committee would like to support a different local charity each year, she said. “I think we did very well the first year since it was just a few neighborhood friends participating,” Hopp said. “We have opened it up to the public this year and hope for it to be even bigger. The community support has helped us bring it back this year.” For safety reasons, the City of Ferrysburg granted approval for Cecelia Lane to be closed off during the event. There will be parking available along Virginia, Carlson, and 168th streets. Participants are responsible for setting up their own table and decorations, electrical cord and six-quart serving container.
A $15 registration fee is required to help cover the costs of T-shirts and awards. The Smith’s Bayou Committee will provide sample cups and spoons for the public.