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Elbow Lake Chatter ·

Fall Is Sizzling (and So Is the Chili!)

Sub Crawl 2026 recap, the full schedule for the October 10 Hayride & Chili/Soup Cook-Off, and highlights from the August board meeting.

A crowd of neighbors, some wearing leis, gathered on the gravel drive of a pole-barn host house flying an American flag during the Sub Crawl.
Photo: Tonya Patterson

The Sub Crawl wrapped up an incredible summer, and now it's time to look ahead: the Hayride, Trunk-or-Treat, and Chili & Soup Cook-Off is Saturday, October 10, and there's a lot going on. Grab your costume, warm up your chili recipe, and read on for the full rundown.

Community news

Chili & Soup Cook-Off: more entries wanted

As of late September, only a handful of neighbors have signed up to cook, and organizers are hoping for at least 15 entries. If you've got a chili or soup recipe worth bragging about, sign up through the event page in the Facebook group or email contact@elcoa.org. Entries are due October 1.

Cornhole players wanted

A cornhole tournament is on for cook-off day. If you want in, watch the Facebook group for sign-up details.

Volunteers still needed for hayride day

Organizers are still looking for help running the grill, clearing and stacking wood for the fire pit, and keeping an eye on the piñata. Several themed raffle baskets still need a sponsor, including a s'mores basket, a Michigan Lottery basket, a coffee basket, kitchen-gadget and small-tool baskets, and a wine/beer/liquor basket. If you can help with any of it, reach out through the Facebook group or contact@elcoa.org.

New picnic tables and message boards needed

The beach and boat launch could both use new picnic tables, and we lost a message board when a tree came down, so a second one would help too. This could be a great winter build project if a few volunteers step up. Interested? Reach out through the Facebook group.

Lake water still testing excellent

The lake was tested again this summer, and the results were the same as 2025: excellent, and far below the level that would be a concern for swimming. Thank you to Charlie Smith for handling the water testing.

Fish stocking planned for this fall

Frank DeVuono is getting pricing for a fall planting. As of the August board meeting, the fish fund stood at $1,900. Fish go in once the water cools to about 55°F. The last stocking, in fall 2024, added nearly 1,000 crappie and walleye. Want to help? Add a Fish Fund donation to your membership form.

October 10: Hayride & Chili/Soup Cook-Off

This year's headline event is Saturday, October 10 at the Boat Launch, with judging starting at 12:30 PM (judges only, so everyone else please wait until 1:00 PM). Here's the full day:

  • 1:00 PM: Hot dogs, soup, and chili are ready. Trick-or-treat bags provided to kids while supplies last.
  • 2:00 PM: Costume contest, judged in four age brackets: 0-4, 5-12, 13-17, and 18+. Prizes for each category.
  • 3:00 PM: Trunk-or-Treat. Decorate your vehicle for a shot at a prize, and bring candy to pass. Organizers are expecting 100+ kids if the weather cooperates.
  • 4:00 PM: Piñata, cupcake decorating, and pumpkin & gourd painting.
  • Hayrides to follow, with multiple rides provided.

Chili & Soup Cook-Off: separate categories for chili and soup, with 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place ribbons in each, plus ribbons for best-decorated table space. The People's Choice Trophy goes to whichever pot raises the most cash in votes, so bring bills to support your favorite. Cash prizes are bigger this year, so if you've been on the fence about entering, now's the time.

House & yard decorating contest: judging is planned for Friday, October 9. No need to sign up; judges simply drive every road at dusk. Show off your spookiest or most creative decorating!

New this year: a hot chocolate station to warm up with between activities. Bring cash for raffles throughout the day.

Sub Crawl recap

What a turnout! On September 5, neighbors fired up their golf carts and side-by-sides for the progressive Sub Crawl: six host houses, games and a signature drink or cocktail at every stop, and live music from Blake James Music at the Boat Launch to close out the night. Thank you to every host house and everyone who came out to make it a great one.

From the August 2 board meeting

  • Treasurer's report: starting balance of $6,531.97, available balance of $5,446.01 after expenses and income. The fish fund allotment was corrected to $1,000 (not $500); the fish fund itself stands at $1,900 so far, not counting donations.
  • Membership: 9 new memberships brought the total to 59. The board discussed reviving the Welcome Package for new residents and possibly bringing back street captains to help distribute it.
  • Boat Parade winners: Neighbor's (1st), Miller's (2nd), Beck's (3rd), Logan's (4th), with cash prizes of $25, $20, $15, and $10.
  • Hayride budget: the board approved a one-time $200 transfer from the unused Memorial Day Parade budget to help cover this year's Hayride/Chili Cook-Off.
  • New board members: the board welcomed six new members: Erie High, Cassie Kelly, Angela Kraetke, Deb Smith, Lucky Mottausch, and Mary Ann Wood.
  • Looking ahead: Cassie Kelly has volunteered to chair the 2027 Memorial Day Parade.

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