 |
| Woodruff has nearly become a pro. |
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
The Midway Christian Church bustled Monday night with the smell of chili — and community — in the air.
 |
| Woodruff wasn't present Monday night; this photo is from her first win, in 2018. |
Second place was a tie between Ray Papka’s “World’s Best Chili,” a moderately spicy beef entry, and a mild turkey chili by Gloria Batts.
Despite the chance to win prizes, the main draw for attendees seemed to be the chance to connect with their fellow community members.
“Aside from the great food, it’s a wonderful chance to really meet your neighbors. You can talk and find out what’s going on in your community,” said Midway resident Scott Holmes.
 |
| Sisters Ouita Michel and Paige Walker mugged for the camera and their father, Ray Papka, whose chili tied for second. (Madison Dyment photo) |
“It’s such a wonderful way to bring the community together,” Michel said. “You see so many members and people from town, and I think we all need to build some togetherness right now.”
That sentiment was echoed by many, including the Rev. Heather McColl, Midway Christian Church pastor for 13 years.
“The part about this event is really the people,” McColl said. “I was just remarking how you see people who have just moved here, who have been here forever, or people you’ve never seen. It’s fun to get to know and see different people and connect with them.”
McColl began the Chili Cookoff as an in-house event for church members before incorporating it with the church’s monthly free community dinners, which began a few years later.
The cookoff allows participants to submit their best chili recipe for public tasting and judging. Attendees sample the chili and vote for their favorite. Each year there are numerous variations of the classic dish, sure to satisfy even the most uncommon taste buds.
“We know there’s controversy about putting spaghetti in chili, but we welcome all here,” McColl said while opening the event.
The event brings together first-timers and those who have frequented for years. Margie Steadman said she's been attending the cookoff for seven years, while young Aurora and Lyndon Frances have had less experience, making up for it with their enthusiasm.
“I’m really excited to eat all the chili,” said an animated Aurora, adding that her favorite included peppers. Lyndon said he prefers less-spicy chili options, with lots of cheese.
This long-going event succeeds each year in providing an avenue for friendly competition, community bonding, and excellent chili. What more could you ask for?
That sentiment was echoed by many, including the Rev. Heather McColl, Midway Christian Church pastor for 13 years.
“The part about this event is really the people,” McColl said. “I was just remarking how you see people who have just moved here, who have been here forever, or people you’ve never seen. It’s fun to get to know and see different people and connect with them.”
 |
| The cookoff is popular with children. (Photo by Madison Dyment) |
The cookoff allows participants to submit their best chili recipe for public tasting and judging. Attendees sample the chili and vote for their favorite. Each year there are numerous variations of the classic dish, sure to satisfy even the most uncommon taste buds.
“We know there’s controversy about putting spaghetti in chili, but we welcome all here,” McColl said while opening the event.
 |
| Aurora and Lyndon Frances (Photo by Madison Dyment) |
“I’m really excited to eat all the chili,” said an animated Aurora, adding that her favorite included peppers. Lyndon said he prefers less-spicy chili options, with lots of cheese.
This long-going event succeeds each year in providing an avenue for friendly competition, community bonding, and excellent chili. What more could you ask for?
 |
| More than a dozen varieties of chili were up for tasting and judging. (Photo by Madison Dyment) |
No comments:
Post a Comment