It’s true, who can believe that fall is here already.  It seems that just yesterday we were celebrating the beginning of summer, however time certainly marches on thru the change of seasons.  Cooler days and nights, sleeping with the windows open and yes even pulling back out the cooler weather duds.  Here in Central Wisconsin it is festival time, all different sorts.  In Manawa you know that fall has arrived not only due to the cooler weather and the changing leaves but it is the Farm Market and Craft Fair, held the third Saturday in September each year.  In year’s past we have had alot of fun with the pie eating contest, too funny to see people digging into pies face first and showing their enthusiasm for all things pie.  This year we will mark the day with our first annual chili cook-off, a way to showcase all the different and delectable ways that chili can be made.  I have encountered people who are big fans of noodles in their chili, you have the standard chili lovers, and then those who like to crank up the heat factor.  We hope to have all different genres of chili competing at our chili cook-off. The entrants will be vying for a $100 first prize, $75 second prize and $50 third prize all paid in Chamber Bucks, as to support local businesses.  After the judging, we will be selling the chili for $1 per bowl and the proceeds will be donated to the Manawa Food Pantry.  There is no charge to enter as this is our first year of holding the chili cook-off.  It is a good warm up (pardon the pun) or practice run if you will, to also compete in the annual chili cook-off held at the Zion Lutheran Church here in Manawa, it is their major fund raiser that they hold each year.  They serve other food along with the chili and it is one price to sample all of the different chili’s that they have entered each year.  So come on out to the Farm Market & Craft Fair this Saturday September 18th, there will be a variety of vendors, pumpkin bowling for the kids and much more.  On 2nd Street in Manawa.  Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall here in Central Wisconsin.