An anonymous health department complaint has turned Geneva’s annual Small Business Saturday Chili Contest into a sniff-only event. Organizer Marilla Gonzalez, owner of Marilla’s Mindful Supplies, devised the “World’s First Chili Sniffing Contest” to sidestep food safety rules while keeping the fun alive.
This year, participants will judge chili based solely on aroma, with pots simmering at local businesses to draw in foot traffic. Some shops with inspected kitchens will still offer samples after the sniffing.
Gonzalez hopes the quirky twist will attract a crowd, boosting support for Geneva’s small businesses.
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