UP Police Vs. Fire Chili Cookoff Will Fund Orchard Sculpture

UNIVERSITY PLACE, WA — An chili contest tonight between West Pierce firefighters and University Place police will benefit a fundraiser to place a new sculpture at Curran Apple Orchard Park.

UP For Arts is in the midst of a $135,000 fundraiser to pay for a sculpture called "Forever Friends," depicting a little girl handing an apple to Brewster, a horse that once lived at the orchard.

The fundraiser recently surpassed the $100,000 mark, and the sculpture, built by artist John Jewell, is already underway. All that's left is for Jewell to cast the sculpture in bronze.

Police and fire will face off in the chili contest tonight beginning at 5 p.m. at the United Church, 3912 Grandview Drive West. Chili tasting will last until 6:45 p.m., and a concert at the orchard featuring the country-western band Neon Mustang will go until 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $40, but kids 5 and under are free. Buy yours at www.upforarts.org or at the door.