A beloved Sharpsburg Community Library food-themed fundraiser has been postponed.

The annual Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger Chili Cook-off was originally planned for April 18 at Roots of Faith.

It has now been pushed to early October.

Organizers are working to confirm a new date and time.

“We’re cooking up something bigger and better,” library branch manager Sara Mariacher said April 16.

She said the spring heat played a part in the postponement.

They are counting on colder weather to inspire more competition. The cook-off is expected to have a minimum of 10 chefs.

Habegger was an impassioned volunteer known for his homemade pepper spices and trained 5-foot leucistic rat snake named Popeye.

A Shaler resident who grew up in Sharpsburg, he spent a great part of his life outdoors and trying to help the borough.

Winner of the 2019 chili contest, he was a founding member of the Sharpsburg Environmental Advisory Council.

Habegger died Nov. 23, 2020, of suspected covid. He was 60.

Continuing the cook-off is one of the ways community members pay homage to Habegger.

Last year’s cook-off took place in February.

Ben Maffei of Shaler and his sweet and spicy smoked brisket barbecue chili earned first place and tasters’ choice at that competition.

New venue

The cook-off is being moved from Sharpsburg council chambers to Roots of Faith.

Mariacher said it is a bigger venue than the borough building, which will allow guests to stick around longer and enjoy more chili than previous years.

The event was split into two tasting times the past few years causing frustration with the chefs and patrons.

“I think that people will be very excited to participate in one consecutive event,” Mariacher said.

“It gives an opportunity for people to engage more community members, get their opinions on the chili and interact with the chefs themselves. It’s an exciting change. I think it will be a benefit to the event.”

Registration is closed as organizers work to finalize more details. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Anyone interested in being a sponsor should contact library development manager Nadine Ostrowski at Ostrowskin@einetwork.net.

More information about Sharpsburg Community Library and its programs is available at coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/location/sharpsburg.