Chili cook-off a hot success
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Nathan Straus Photo Wayne Thomas of Whatever Floats Your Boat Chili prepares his special recipe at the chili cook-off in Winchester Park.

Chandler's Winchester Park on FM 315 south was the site of more than just baseball Saturday, April 26. The park hosted a chili cook-off as part of its fourth annual "Play Day at the Park."

The cook-off, an official Chili Appreciation Society International sanctioned event, had chili cooks compete to gain points for Terlingua, where the ultimate chili cook-off is held.

Rick Ford, Chandler Park Board president, said he saw a great turnout.

"Many of the cooks told us it was one of the best first time cook-offs they had ever attended, " Ford wrote in an e-mail message. "They said they really enjoyed the crowd, especially all of the little leaguers."

Ford said it is very likely the cook-off will become an annual event to go along with the Play Day.

The CASI winner was Jan Young of Whatever Floats Your Boat Chili, Bullard.

The People's Choice and Showmanship Winner was Lin Lindsey of Kickapoo Creek Chili, Murchison. Lindsey won both awards.

Two cooks received enough points in the CASI competition to qualify for Terlinqua, one received enough to qualify in Showmanship. Seventeen cooks signed up for the event.

During the event, around 150 tasting cups were sold. These cups allowed visitors to sample the People's Choice chili category and vote for the winner.

Proceeds from the event will go toward BMC and the expansion of park concessions. The event raised more money than expected. Final totals were not available as of press time.

Weather conditions were somewhat cold and windy. Though it did not rain, the threat of showers kept some away. Despite this, the event was a huge success and CASI members said it was a great atmosphere, a perfect spot and excellent park layout.