SEARSPORT — Searsport is challenging Stockton Springs to a Chili Cook-off at Searsport’s annual Fling into Fall celebration Oct. 10 and 11. The public will be invited to taste and vote on whether the police, firemen and EMTs of Searsport can make a better chili than their counterparts in Stockton Springs. 

In addition to the cook-off, there will be an apple pie tasting contest with professional pastry chefs judging the best pie, the Tonka Truck Restoration project for kids, “people’s choice” Scarecrow and Jack O’ Lantern contests, antique car show, hayrides, music, a bonfire and parade. This year also includes an unusual and very special breast cancer fundraiser: for $25 one of the Searsport firefighters will shave your head. 

Fling Into Fall festivities begin Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. on the Penobscot Marine Museum Crescent on Route 1, and wrapping up that night with a concert by Juke Rockets, 7:15-9 p.m., at the Searsport Public Safety Building, 3 Union St. 

On Saturday, Oct. 11 Fling Into Fall resumes with a 7 to 9 a.m. Public Breakfast at the Masonic Hall and ends with a Public Italian Supper at the Congregational Church, 5 to 6 p.m. 

Each year for Fling Into Fall, Searsport residents Joe and Jamie Plumber donate a week at their Florida beach house to a lucky raffle prize winner. The tickets are free and available both days, the winning ticket will be chosen at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Searsport Public Safety Building.   

For more information and a schedule of events, call Kari at 548-2769 or go to the festival’s Facebook page.  For information about the Tonka Truck Restoration Project, contact Joe Plummer at 548-2834 if you would like to register for the project and receive a truck to repair.  To register for the Apple Pie Baking Contest, call Zoe at 548-4050.