Willow Area Community Organization hosting the Taste the Fest Soup Off and Bingo Night

The Willow Area Community Organization (WACO) is hosting the Taste the Fest Soup Off and Bingo Night on October 4 at the Willow Community Center.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Willow Winter Carnival that takes place in January.

The new fall festivities are an attempt to bring more activities to the Upper Valley and kick off the winter months.

“It brings the community together,” WACO At Large Board Member Danielle Barve said. “We need some more events, the carnival is the one big hit out here and then we have our farmers market. I grew up out in Willow and I want to see some things happen.”

The evening will start with a chili/soup cookoff. Entries can be submitted at the door starting at 4 p.m. for $5 per entry. Soups and chilis will fall into four different categories: chicken soup, chili, chowder and bean soup. Tasting and judging starts at 5 p.m. and costs $5 per person to participate. Winners from each category will be based on people’s choice voting.

Prizes for the cookoff are provided by local businesses to include a gift basket from Flat Tire Farm, a certificate to a local aesthetician and massage certificates for a local masseuse.

Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Each packet of cards costs $10. Bingo winners receive cash prizes and door prizes will be announced throughout the evening. Concessions and pull tabs will also be available.

“I'm really really hoping it is a hit because people say that they want more bingo,” Barve said. “I hope they show up because there are some diehard bingo fans, that is what I’ve been told.”

Barve said that the event can still use more volunteers to make it an efficient and fun evening for all. She expressed her appreciation to those who have already signed up and for Global Credit Union for sending people to help. A volunteer form can be found on the WACO website.

“I am really looking forward to there being a line at the door, people coming in and people smiling and it just being a good time,” Barve said.