4th Annual King Cole Cannery Celebrity Chef Cook-off set Oct. 23

The Milton Historical Society 2019 Celebrity Chef Cook-Off will take place Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Covered Bridge Inn, 30249 Fisher Road, Lewes. Master of ceremonies is Bob Yesbek, aka The Rehoboth Foodie, and the auctioneer will be Sen. Dave Wilson of Wilson's Auctions. The Live Auction will include a five-digit Delaware tag.

Area chefs will compete in preparing gastronomical delights, all vying to be voted the Top Chef. Guests at this event will enjoy sampling the creations of celebrity chefs and everyone will have a chance to cast their ballot for the People’s Choice award. Celebrity judges will also be on hand to determine the Critic’s Choice. Judges include Radio Rehoboth’s general manager and host of Daybreak Jeff Balk, Cape Gazette Food Writer Denise Clemons, WBOC’s Mark Leishear, and WGMD On-Air Personality Jake Smith.

The Covered Bridge Inn will provide the perfect backdrop for this exciting event. The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour featuring an oyster raw bar by Dogfish Head’s Chesapeake & Maine, a complimentary signature cocktail sponsored by Irish Eyes Milton - served up with or without alcohol, and live music by Delmarva’s hottest new group, the Hot Sauce Band. There will also be the famous King Cole Celebrity Basket Raffle, auctions, and a cash bar. 

Chefs from local restaurants include The Counting House, Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Paul’s Kitchen and Cullen-ary Company, and Two Meatballs. Dessert will be provided by Black Hat Catering and Hopkins Ice Cream. Any chef interested in competing should call the MHS office or email fundraiser@historicmilton.org.

Tickets are available at www.historicmilton.org/events. Tickets are $50 per person for current MHS members. Not a member or haven’t renewed yet? Tickets are $75 or $135 for a couple, and that includes 2019 MHS membership.

The MHS has a very dedicated fundraising committee working on raising $50,000 from this year’s cook-off. Monies raised support the museum’s collection of the rich history of Milton, maintaining the museum, bringing in new exhibits, oral histories, and providing youth and adult programs to the community. 

Sponsorships are available for individuals, couples, families, community groups, and businesses both large and small. Some sponsors so far include Charlie and Marie Burton, David Carey and Becky Geiger, Patti Drago and Rich Weissmann, Dogfish Head, Lavender Fields and The Hudson Family. 

MHS is seeking donations to include a dinner at a home for the winner and some guests, a weekend getaway, a vacation home for a week, gift cards for shopping or restaurants, fishing excursions, wine baskets, or themed baskets. Advance Basket Raffle Tickets are available online or at the museum and are five for $25. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the event. Winners do not need to be present to win but must be available to pick up their prize from the Milton Historical Society by Oct. 27.

For sponsorship, gift baskets, to volunteer, or more information visit www.historicmilton.org/events or contact Mary Knight, 302-684-1010, text: 302-316-3440 or email director@historicmilton.org The Lydia B. Cannon Museum is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and by appointment.

The Milton Historical Society is a nonprofit cultural and educational organization dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of the history of Milton and the Broadkill Hundred. The society collects, preserves, and interprets stories, artifacts, and documents related to Milton and the Broadkill Hundred for study and education. They welcome the participation of people of all ages in sharing informative and engaging experiences that will encourage them to discover and appreciate their heritage.