story by nick nunn
photos by jesse walker and josiah connelly

Hot time at the Madison Chili Cook-off Saturday

Tasters were able to sample the recipes after buying the wristbands for $3 per person. Five hundred were sold to hungry visitors, but none had to go without; presenting sponsor, The Madison Chophouse Grille was there selling their own chili as well.
Among the creative team names, some of the best were: “Bottom of the Barrel Gang”, “Fatty Blair’s Chili Emporium”, “Faded Love Chili Co.”, and Citizen’s own “Hot off the Presses.”
In addition to the teams, vendors set up tents around the park, offering a variety of foods and crafts, including Grandma’s Real Homemade Ice Cream, Verner Farms’ Natural Beef, local produce, birdhouses, and clothing made from the hair of Alpacas.
Guests were entertained by E.J. Boyer’s “Tribute to Elvis,” and the The Darnell Boys’ modern folk offerings.
Brian “Watch-Out” Watson won Krystal’s Chili Pup Eating Contest, eating six Chili Pups in the allotted two minutes. 
After a long day of cooking and waiting, the winners for the Cook-Off were announced at 3:30 in the afternoon.
“Cobb Family Chili” of Atlanta won the CASI competition, and Christie Nelson of Marietta won the Showmanship award for her booth “House of Horrors.”
MCHS’ “Hot Chili Peppers” won the best cornbread competition, while “Vista Concepts” won the People’s Choice award.
The third place winner for the Open Chili competition was “Got 2 B Rollin” of Rutledge, and the Morgan County Humane Society’s “Chow House Chili” was the runner up, but “Cox Con Carne” took away the first place prize, outdoing the rest of the teams with their delectible style of chili.
For the rest of us, there is always next year.

Printed in the October 11, 2012