Sanford Wine Company Owner Ken Martin stirs the pot during last year’s chili cook-off.
Most notably Sanford resident Larry Hoppen, of the band Orleans, will join forces with the Welcome Center this month to provide entertainment for Alive After 5 as the band’s annual fundraiser.
Hoppen’s fundraiser will benefit the Rescue Outreach Mission this year by helping to restock their food pantry. All guests at Alive After 5 are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, paper goods or toiletries to donate to the mission at the event.
The Rescue Outreach Mission is the only shelter in Seminole County and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. During the past week the Rescue Outreach Mission has served as the county’s emergency cold weather shelter, opening its doors for free to anyone who needs a warm home for the night.
In addition to the The Hoppen Family & Friends, the KO-S Band will provide entertainment in Magnolia Square with free line-dancing lessons from Lynn Lucciano.
Lucciano is known as “Barn Diva Lynn” and teaches line-dancing lessons at the Sanford bar The Barn.
Last, but certainly not least, January is the Welcome Center’s annual Chili Cook-Off, with individuals, businesses and restaurants from around the county bringing their best chili entry to the competition.
Guests at Alive After 5 determine the winner for the People’s Choice Contest and competitors could win up to $600 in cash prizes.
Typically the Welcome Center’s Chili Cook-Off is one of the most popular Alive After 5 events, only second to October’s Oktoberfest-themed event.
As always, $7 will buy you a wristband and get you all the chili samples you can handle, along with beverage samples from the vendors.
Alive After 5 will take place Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Sanford.