By Michael Terwilliger

If one is to believe Terry the Trash Man, and frankly who wouldn't, the 17th annual Chili Cook-off was held March 5 at the Snow Park area at Yuba Pass. The cook off generally pits the east side of Sierra County against the west side but I believe it also pits everyone who cooks chili that day against everyone else who does the same. The weather cooperated once again and sunshine blessed the crowd of at least 200 folks. There were probably 25 contestants showing off their cooking skill with traditional chili with no beans, chili verde and stuff being pawned as chili but could have been something else entirely. All contestants passed out samples to those who asked and of course worked deligently to bribe the judges, which incidentally works well. The parking lot was full as was the meadow which held dozens of snow mobiles, a preferred way of travel for many Sierra City residents. In following tradition, a small hand cannon, yes a cannon, was set off to quiet the crowd so Terry could announce the winners. Peoples Choice, Judges Choice and a bunch of other feel good awards were given out to jeers and cheers, all in good fun. Jeanine, the Sanitation Sensation and our favorite trash truck driver won a small polar bear, which has nothing to do with chili but her chili was darn good. The 18th annual will be happening again next year about the same time in March rain, snow or shine. Find that old chili pot, mark your calender and don't miss this great event. 

The rumors are true! The chamber meeting which has been canceled twice already due to inclement weather is actually taking place this upcoming Friday, March 4.

       Same location: Sorracco's Saloon's parlor, in Sierra City
       Same time: 5:30-7 pm

New business, old accomplishments, things we're working on will all be discussed. For those so inclined, the meeting will end with us moving over into the bar for a social mixer.

Come network with other Sierra County businesses, get involved with the chamber and maybe even have some fun when all is said and done.

Grab your boots & pioneer spirit and join us for the chambers meeting/mixer to be held this Friday from 5:30 to 7:00 at Sorroccos Saloon in the Lobby.  We have alot of great information to share and hope to see you there!.

There is nothing like looking out the window and seeing the words "Taco Tuesdays" written on the menu board at the Old Sierra City Hotel.  Great tacos, great price.  I know where I'm going tonight. 

The Sierra County Chamber of Commerce is starting work on the 2011-2012 Visitors Guide. If you have been thinking about joining or not yet renewed your membership, now is the time to do so. Cut off for inclusion in the Visitors Guide is 2/1/11.

The Chamber is also excited to start work on a promotional brochure called "49 Great Things to do in Sierra County." If you have anything you want to submit for inclusion in that brochure, please send it to info@sierracountychamber.com and we'll take it under consideration. We would love photos and copy for your suggested entry if you can provide that, if not, we'll still love your ideas.

Happy New Year!

Local merchants are putting on a county-wide Poker Run. When you spend $20 or more at a participating store you'll get an envelope containing a playing card.

Collect as many envelopes with cards as possible-- but don't open the envelopes before the close of the game! Your best hand will be made from the cards you collect. The game ends January 22, when the winning hand will be determined at the Sierra Valley Lodge in Calpine. We'll post more details in the events section as that gets closer.

Participating stores are:

Downieville:
Western Sierra Firearms • Sierra Hardware • Vintage Gal • Two Rivers Gallery • Sierra Motors • Downieville Day Spa • St. Charles Place

Loyalton:
Loyalton Day Spa • White's Sierra Service • Leonard's Grocery • Loyalton Pharmacy • Hair Faire • Country Gentleman Barber Shop  Vicki's Blue Moon Bakery • Golden West • Sierra Valley Home Center • Sierra Timberline

Sierra City:
Sierra Country Storr • Old Sierra City Hotel • Tom's Snowmobile • Schoolhouse Art Gallery • Mountain Creek/Buckhorn • Sorracco's

Calpine:
Sierra Valley Lodge

Sierraville:
Sierraville Service • Chuck Wagon Cafe • Sierra Valley Feed • Los Dos Hermanos

This program is a partnership between Alliance for Workforce Development and local media including the Sierra County Prospect and the Sierra Booster.

Good luck!

December 12th, a Sunday night, Sierra City merchants opened their stores for the public, generously serving all kinds of goodies-- spanning the gamut from ravioli to hot chocolate. Over a dozen businesses opened their doors and welcomed everyone who wanted to stop by.

Every establishment was decorated festively with lights and snowflakes and icicles and in some cases all kinds of figures-- snowmen, disney characters -- you name it. There was even a gigantic 12 ft+ Santa Claus hanging out by the post office!

At first I thought there was a lot of emergencies going on as the fire truck kept speeding through town with the lights on, but it turns our that kids, young and old were hitching rides on the Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department's awesome new incredible fire truck!

People came out in large groups having fun seeing people they had not seen for a while, and meeting some new merchants in town. And, the event was such a success that we'll do it all over again next year. Rumour has it someone wants to convince CBS Channel 13 Dave Bender to come here next year to do his 12 Daves of Christmas!

Come join us next year!

Once again Sierra County has the highest number of registered voters in the state of California at 92.7%. And! Sierra County once again had the highest voting percentage in the state at 82% compared to the estimated 55% average for the state.

Go to the Sierra County website to download a PDF with the county's November 2, 2010 results.

We're also proud of our neighbors in Nevada County, where more than 75% of registered voters exercised their voting power.

While on the topic, since people have asked: the Sierra County Chamber of Commerce is NOT a member of the US Chamber of Commerce.