While the end of the holiday season can be a letdown to some, this is actually one of our favorite times of year.  Because every January, we start gearing up for the annual WMVY Big Chili Contest on the Vineyard.  And if you’ve ever been, you know why we get so excited!

For the fourth year in a row, Quahog Republic will join some of the best chili chefs around to compete at the ChiliFest, being held this year on Saturday, January 28^th at the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs. If you are a fan of chili, you won’t be disappointed! Dozens of professional and amateur contenders will be on hand to warm you up on the chilly winter day with their best steaming pots of chili – some are tried and true recipes, while others have top-secret ingredients sure to knock your socks off!  Local performers and a Mariachi band provide live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

The Quahog Republic’s chili has garnered second and third place wins in past years – and this year we are going for the gold! Let us know what you think our chances are at our Pre-ChiliFest Pep Rally on Saturday, January 21^st at the Dive Bar. Come get a preview taste of our award-winning chili and get the party started a week early with entertainment from Jimmy D from 9 pm to midnight!

Still, as fun and festive as ChiliFest is, the day is about a whole lot more than just chili. Each year, WMVY donates all proceeds from the event to the Red Stocking Fund, which distributes clothing, food, and toys to Vineyard families in need throughout the year. Last year’s event raised over $35,000, which can go a long way in making a huge difference to these men, women and children.

So join us at both our Pre-ChiliFest Pep Rally on the 21^st and then again at the Big Chili Contest on the 28^th!  Visit www.mvyradio.com for details on how to purchase tickets in advance…AND a limited amount of tickets will be on sale at the Dive Bar at 6 pm on January 10th. Tickets sell fast, so get here early (and try out our new Buzztime trivia and some tasty grub while you’re at it!)

And remember….vote Quahog Republic!

Every now and then, we like to recognize one of the great charities that we support, and this month seems like the perfect time to plug the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For the last few years, the Dive Bar and our former Retail Hut have served as drop-off points for  new, unwrapped toys, which are then distributed at Christmastime to less fortunate children in our community. 

It is sometimes easy to get so caught up in the holiday season that we forget that there are others out there who don’t experience the same joy in Christmas as we do. They are overwhelmed by bills, or facing temporary financial hardships due to unemployment. Some have lost their homes, or are just struggling to put food on the table. While they want to give their children a Christmas to remember, they simply can’t afford to.  But the Toys for Tots program makes that possible.

The Toys for Tots website says “The new toy which millions of needy children receive each Christmas….delivers a message of hope.”  We couldn’t agree more. This “hope” is what helps these children and their families feel that they are part of a community that cares for them. It helps them to know that they are not alone. It instills in these children from an early age the importance of giving back to their community, so that as adults they can “pay it forward.”  Click here to read some inspiring true life examples of the positive impact the Toys for Tots program has had on those it has helped over the years…it truly is amazing.

It is a wonderful feeling each holiday season to see our Official Citizens come out to support the Toys for Tots program and drop off bundles of toys for local children. After all, caring about what happens in your own backyard, and striving to make a difference, is what an Official Citizen of the Quahog Republic is all about.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.  Please help us spread the message of hope!  The Quahog Republic Dive Bar at 97 Spring Bars Road in Falmouth will be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots starting December 1st.

Needless to say, we were psyched to see one of our Quahog Republic tees recognized as “essential” Cape Cod wardrobe by this national magazine.  It’s the same feeling we get every time we pass a car on the highway that’s sporting a Quahog Republic sticker on the back window.  Or see a total stranger who’s rocking a Quahog Republic tee-shirt or hat.  Or get an online order from a state as far away as Florida, California or Texas.

It’s hard to describe how truly amazing it is to see people from all over embracing the Quahog Republic brand and the Quahog Republic mantra of Live-Give-Relax.  We would be nowhere without our loyal Official Citizens…they are the ones out there every day, on the front lines, representing our brand. They may have bought a QR sweatshirt, dined at the Dive Bar, joined a World Tour bus trip, supported our Hog Off Fundraiser or sought fame in one of our Stuffed Quahog eating contests. There are many different ways that our Official Citizens show their Quahog Republic pride in their daily lives. And we appreciate them all.

A giant and heartfelt THANK YOU to our Official Citizens from the Quahog Republic.

Now…keep spreading the word!