Bridgeport’s Boy Scout Troop 40 has been shopping for chili ingredients – enough to make 60 gallons.

 

“We’ll start prepping Friday night – cutting up vegetables, etc. – and start cooking early Saturday morning,” said coordinator Louise Householder,

 

The annual chili feed will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Benedum Civic Center. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Included in the dinner is chili, salad and Italian bread and butter. Baked goods will also be sold. Take-out orders – including group and business orders – are available by calling 304-844-0236.

 

All proceeds benefit Boy Scout Troop 40. Specifically, the money will be utilized toward campouts and other trips and to purchase awards, among other expenses.

 

“We basically use the money to make the scouting experience the best it can be for the boys,” Householder said.

 

The boys, ages 11 to 18, camp annually at Camp Mahonegon in Ellenboro and also travel to various camporees in the Ohio and Pennsylvania region.

 

Scout leaders and other adult volunteers will man the kitchen and scout members will serve and assist with clean-up, she said. Annually, the community supports the event in a big way.

 

“We usually sell out every year,” Householder said.

 

The chili feed has been going on in Bridgeport for more than 30 years. The Householder family is quite rooted in the Troop 40 chili feed tradition.

 

“My dad, Vaughn Ritter, was scoutmaster. He held the first one,” Householder said. “They needed to raise funds buy tents and supplies for the troop at the time.”

 

The Householders have been involved since their oldest son, Corbin, became involved in scouting. Carter, a Bridgeport High School senior, is an active member of Troop 40.

 

Last year, the chili feed followed a week of snow. Ironically, this year is seeing the same scenario. Once again, it is hoped that those who have been snowed in will take advantage of Saturday's opportunity to gather at the city hub for good home-cooked food and socialization. 

 

The troop’s other major fundraiser is the spring mulch sale. Details will be forthcoming.  

 

“We’ll start taking deliveries in March and the sale will run through April until we sell out,” Householder said.

 

Troop 40, Allohak Council: Boy Scouts of America is chartered to Simpson Creek Baptist Church.

 

For information on scouting, call 304-844-0236.