Firefighters testing recipes at chili cook off

Two Graafschap Fire Department firefighters and their spouses are putting their chili recipes to the test on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, as part of the annual Cow Hill Yacht Club Chili Cook Off from 1-5 p.m. at Wicks Park in Saugatuck.

Dave Grumney, Captain, Training & Health/Safety, his wife Angie, and Ben Draper, firefighter, and his wife, Heather, are entering their culinary creations to raise funds for the Cow Hill Yacht Club, a 501c3 nonprofit that helps less fortunate people in the Saugatuck-Douglas area.

Chili and pancakes

The firefighters and their wives are representing the nonprofit Friends of the Graafschap Fire Department and will be promoting the annual July 4^th Pancake Breakfast.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring awareness to our organization and our breakfast,” said Draper.

The breakfast started in 1968 as a way for the Graafschap Civic Club to raise money for a ball field. The fire department took over organizing and running the breakfast in 1991. This year, 1,365 people attended the event.

The Graafschap Fire Department serves all of Laketown Township and part of Fillmore Township. 

Making chili is nothing new for Dave Grumney.

He and Angie entered the Saugatuck competition two years ago.

“I’ve been a career firefighter for 36 years and as firehouse cook for the majority of that time,” said Dave. “This year I am preparing a tomatillo chili with ingredients from my garden.”

This is the first time the Drapers have entered the competition.

“My chili recipe will be an over-the-top smoke, meaning the meat will be smoked over the pot allowing the slow cooked meat to drain and season the pot of chili,” Ben said.

Ben attended culinary school in Muskegon for two years, “so cooking in general has been more of a hobby,” he said.

“Community support would be great, especially raising awareness for July 4th Pancake Breakfast,” he added.

Admission is $10 at the door. There is a $7 ticket for beer or wine and $1 for each chili sample. Cash only.

Other participating businesses and groups, according to The Saugatuck Commercial Record, include The Barge, Bowdie’s Chop House, Butler Pantry, The Cove, Duck Alley, Elements Rentals, Marker 14, Phil’s, Retro Boat Rentals, Saugataco, Saugatuck Brewery, Spectators, The Butler, The Little Store, and Wicks Park Bar & Grille.

Judges will decide on first, second and third place winners of both the traditional and unique chili categories. Participants will choose a People’s Choice Award.

Music provided by Rock Shop.