SUMMERVILLE — The Pleasant Grove Grange Hall, 67218 Hunter Road in Summerville, is always hosting fun events to bring the community together.

It’s a popular place to rent for parties and social gatherings, but it also opens its doors for regularly scheduled events like Sew Days, the monthly lunch day, and the annual Chili Cook-off.

Senior and community lunches are served on the third Wednesday of each month, and there is often a speaker present to discuss topics of local history, early pioneers and other topics.

“Everyone enjoys hearing the tidbits of local history around here,” said Margarette Craig, Pleasant Grove Grange Hall member and event organizer.

Then every second and fourth Wednesday, the Pleasant Grove Grange is open for its “Sew Days” where up to 20 area sewers, quilters, seamstresses and crafters gather to work on their individual or group sewing projects and enjoy company and food.

The entry fee is $3 per person to cover the electricity costs.

The next Sew Day is Wednesday, Sept. 25.

“They are held year-round, weather permitting,” Craig said. “It begins at 9 a.m. and runs to about 1:30 p.m., but if someone wants to stay longer that’s fine.”

There are weavers, paper crafters, quilters and seamstresses and everyone brings their own sewing machines and what they need. The grange has an ironing board and cutting tables available for use.

When the projects are finished, the ladies will show off their finished sewing projects.

Most of the participants know what the others are doing for projects, and some of those projects might include weaving hand towels, sewing placemats, bands that go around a cowboy hat, crafting greeting cards, or making aprons.

“The sky is the limit,” Craig said.

Chili Cook-off

The annual Chili Cook-off is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 4-7 p.m., and it’s open to the public. Participants with their chili should be at the grange at 3:30 p.m. and they can fill out the entry form at the front door. Participants can also call Craig at 541-805-1337, email her at margarettecraig@yahoo.com or pick up an entry form at the senior and community lunch day. The entry fee is $10 per person.

“We will award prizes for the champion chili, the reserve chili and the spiciest chili,” Craig said.

The winners are determined by people’s choice. The tasters will buy a few tickets for $5 and place their tickets near the chilis that they like the best. After this, the tickets will be counted, and prizes will be awarded.

Since the Chili Cook-off is a fundraiser, it also includes a silent auction and a regular auction for desserts and pies as well as the sale of Imbler’s FFA pressed cider. Last year’s event raised the most funds yet for the maintenance of the 98-year-old grange hall, and the grange members are looking forward to another successful year.