CELINA-Organizers say the 2nd Annual Clay County Chili Cook-off and Fall Festival was a great success, thanks in part to the beautiful weather of the weekend compared to last year’s cold and dreary day.

“We were just very pleased with the way everything went, and the crowds and participation we had,” said an event organizer. “We also want to say a big thanks for the volunteers who helped organize and run the event and to our sponsors and judges.”

All 300 commemorative sampling bowls produced were sold that day, and big crowds stayed for the local musicians who played throughout the afternoon, including Mike Cullison, Brimstone Creek, David Moore and Billy Kendall, Tristan and Lacey Watson, Paulette Scott and Amanda Crowe, Craig Ogletree, Jeff Watson, Chris Hix, Eugene Hix, Shane Smith, Eli Watson, and Will Ogletree.

The courthouse square was filled with decorations and storefronts around town were decorated with a fall theme.

Fourteen teams wound up competing in the cook-off, with trophies and monetary awards given out for the top three teams.  There was also a Tasters’ Choice award voted on by those sampling the fare.

Judges for the contest were Diana Cullison, Les Winningham, Kelly Keisling, George McDonald, and Randy Williams.

Sponsors for the event included the Upper Cumberland Development District, Jack’s Quick Shop, Pea Ridge Quick Mart, Subway, Spears Ice Co., Pepsi, Nestle Water, and the Clay County Government.

“When we first had this idea we thought fall would be the perfect time of the year and we wanted to provide our county with an affordable family event everyone could enjoy,” the organizer said.  “We hope we have achieved our goal thanks to all the help from the community.”