CAZENOVIA, N.Y. (NCC News) – Meier’s Creek Brewing Company celebrates its annual Chili Fest from Jan. 21 – Jan. 25.
While chili and chili cheese fries are available all week, each day brought its own specialty. Then, chili mac and chili sloppy joe finished the annual event.
Cody Fedele, Meier’s Creek’s director of operations, is in his sixth year at the helm.
“It’s our first year of actually really going all in celebrating the dish. We’ve done some chili cook-offs in the past,” Fedele said. “We wanted to kind of differentiate ourselves this year and really kind of use it as a week build-up to the grand finale, which is the Chilly Chili 5K – a local community event.”
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: CNY brewery celebrates Chili Fest, helps fundraise for daycare
Joseph Duffey: In Cazenovia, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company hosts Chili Fest. The chili nacho platter was the specialty dish on Friday, but an old-fashioned bowl can be ordered daily.
Cody Fedele: It’s our first year of actually really going all in celebrating the dish. We’ve done some chili cook-offs in the past. We wanted to kind of differentiate ourselves this year and really kind of use it as a week build-up to the grand finale, which is the Chilly Chili 5K – a local community event.
Duffey: Cody Fedele is the director of operations – his sixth year in the role. The brewery’s partnership with the Cazenovica Preservation Foundation, he says, reminds him of the bigger picture of Chili Fest.
Fedele: We like to donate, you know, different incentives and raffle baskets and items close to about one thousand dollars and at the end of the day, it’s for the Cazenovia Children’s group, and they’re trying to raise money for that program, which is pre-k up to fifth grade.
Duffey: The tradition continues this Sunday at the Chilly Chili 5K, as Meier’s Creek will be one of the heavy-hitting names impacting the Cazenovia Children’s House in a project to help fundraise for renovations.
Blyss Bataille: Finding daycare in this area is extremely hard.
Duffey: Blyss Bataille is the executive director of the Cazenovia Children’s House – a daycare operating since 1970. The New York State Education department data has reported that 28-percent of students in the Cazenovia School District come from economically-disadvantaged families. And while Cazenovia is recognized as a high-priority area on the childcare desert census tract, Bataille is proud that Meier’s Creek can make a difference.
Bataille: Big businesses, especially like Meier’s Creek, promoting us, bringing acknowledgment to our event is huge. It brings people in from all over, and the fundraiser benefits our center.
Duffey: This fundraiser helps remind us that service can bring a community together – whether it’s running in chilly conditions or serving chili at a brewery. Joseph Duffey, NCC News.
The finale of Chili Fest ended with the 21st Annual Chilly Chili 5K. The event raised money for the Cazenovia Children’s House.
For Fedele, Meier’s Creek’s fundraising for Cazenovia Children’s House strikes a personal note.
“I grew up where I didn’t have everything, but I had a roof over my head. I didn’t go to bed hungry, and I’m very blessed for that,” Fedele said. “I also am very humble and very well aware that there are many who do not have that.
The New York State Education department data has reported that 28% of students in the Cazenovia School District come from economically-disadvantaged families. Cazenovia is also recognized as a high-priority area on the childcare desert census tract.
Blyss Bataille, executive director of the Cazenovia Children’s House, noted how difficult it is to find daycare in the village. That is why she appreciates partners such as Meier’s Creek. The money raised will help to renovate the building.
“Big businesses, especially like Meier’s Creek, promoting us, bringing acknowledgment to our event is huge,” Bataille said. “It brings people in from all over, and the fundraiser benefits our center.”
Bataille said the 5K’s fundraising efforts have been impactful on a yearly basis.
“Every year we use it for big projects. We’re working on a capital grant project, but we’re also going to be using the funds to complete additional projects,” Bataille said. “We’re having a total building remodel, parking lot, which when our facility is in good condition and appealing, we’re able to serve more children in the area.”