Warm Up at Mistletoe Magic and Chili Cook-off Nov. 25

The Rye Chamber of Commerce is throwing a holiday themed thank you party for the community this Sunday at its 10th Annual Mistletoe Magic event on Purchase street in Rye. The event promises an afternoon full of family holiday fun on Nov. 25 on from 12 to 3 p.m. featuring activities and performances, including a puppet show, and the option to participate in the second annual Chili Cook-off. 

There will be crafts and games, as well as a carriage ride sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence, a trackless trolley, sponsored by Coldwell Banker, and Santa himself, brought to you be Sotheby’s.

You will also find a tent where children can write their letters to Santa, a jumping castle, a climbing wall, pony rides, raffles and many crafts for kids. A DJ will be near the chili tents entertaining children and a music group from the Rye Arts Center will also perform. Last year about 3,000 to 5,000 people attended, according to Rye Chamber President Sally Wright.

“It is a wonderful time to celebrate after the hardships of the hurricane,” Wright said.  “We were so lucky in the community that no one get hurt, but there was a lot of stress with lack of power and trees down and it threw us all off kilter. We are hoping that everyone can come out and enjoy this day and have a lot of fun...and Shop Rye."

A group of Chamber volunteers starting planning for the annual holiday affair in September. Wish and Twinkle Toes owner Denise McDonald volunteered her time to organize the chili cook-off this year. Other Mistletoe volunteers are chamber members Margaret Ricketts, manager of Carpet Trends; Pam Dwyer, manager at Webster Bank, Lisa McKiernan from Ruby’s and Chamber President Sally Wright, Development Director at the Rye YMCA. Susie McNamee was hired to run this year’s magical event.

Second Annual Chili Cook-off

Last year’s chili cook-off winners, Morgan’s and the Rye Grill and Bar, will be defending their championships at this year’s Mistletoe Magic. Modeled after Montauk’s Chowder festival, the cook-off pits chili made from 8-10 different restaurants against each other for the public and culinary judges to vote on. For $10, Mistletoe revelers can sample each chili and then vote for their favorite to win the “People’s Choice” award.

A panel of culinary judges from Legends Hospitality for the New York Yankees will vote for their favorite to win the “Culinary Judge” award. Last year Morgan’s won “People’s Choice,” and Rye Grill and Bar won “Culinary Judge.”

“It is a fun event,” said Denise McDonald, in charge of the cook-off this year.

 The chili will be at the far end of Purchase Street near the Subway.

All proceeds go towards the Chambers College Scholarship Fund.

All parking is free on Sundays in downtown Rye. Last year all parking lots were full, Wright said. So arrive early and enjoy!

Send us your photos of family fun at Mistletoe Magic by texting them to editor Liz Giegerich at Elizabeth.giegerich@patch.com.