CELINA-A hint of fall foliage, good weather, great music, significant door prizes, and 14 samples of chili resulted in another successful beginning to the fall season over the weekend, organizers of the 4th Annual Clay County Chili Cook-off and Fall Festival said Monday.
“We sold all 450 chili bowls,” they said, “which was way more than the 300 we had last year.”
Fourteen teams competed for the title of the county’s best chili chef and a total of $950 in prize money was given to winners in the following categories:
• 1st place and $500 went to the “Hillbilly Chili” team;
• 2nd place and $200 went to the “Horsin’ Around” team;
• 3rd place and $100 went to the “New Hope Gals” team;
• Taster’s Choice and $50 went to the “Little Taste of Soul” team;
• Best decorated booth (tie) and $50 went to the “New Hope Gals” team and the “Hillbilly Chili” team; and
• Best decorated store front and $50 went to the UCHRA.
Additional activities at this year’s event included a corn hole tournament, a decorate your pumpkin booth for children, a children’s costume parade, and great door prizes from local businesses including Horse Creek Resort, Dale Hollow Marina, Cedar Hill, Holly Creek Resort, and Mitchell Creek Marina.
“We would like to thank everyone who attended the event, all the chili entries for their wonderful chili, all the many singers and musicians who volunteer their time to provide musical entertainment, James Reagan for the sound system, all the volunteers who help coordinate events, our judges–Ben Rodgers, John Cason, David Harper, Michael Detwiler, and Kelly Keisling, and the following sponsors, who help make this event possible–Upper Cumberland Development District, Jack’s Quik Shop, Pea Ridge Quik Mart, Subway, Clay County Government, Joey’s Flowers & Gifts, Chamber of Commerce, City of Celina, and Radio Shack,” event committee members said.
They said the chili cook-off was established to provide Clay County with an event that was inexpensive for the family and everyone could enjoy.  Each year additional events are added and proceeds go toward next year’s costs and supplies.
“We hope the chili cook-off will continue to grow and be something everyone can enjoy.”