Main Street holds 27th annual chili cook-off

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Lunch was served on Friday as Main Street Charles City hosted its 27th Annual Great Chili Cook-Off.

Starting at 11 a.m., the lunchtime crowd blew into the Columbus Club to partake in several samples of chili, each with its own unique characteristics.

“The whole point of this is to get the community together for a fun event,” said Community Development Director Mark Wicks. “When people get together and talk, usually good things happen.”

The eight contending chilies this year were supplied by representatives from various Charles City service clubs and other groups.

C.A.Y.A. Transition Home, CC Community Fund, the Community Center, Elks Lodge, Foster Grandparents, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club and Rotary Club each had a volunteer make up a five-gallon batch of chili to try for the contest.

From spicy to smoky, chunky to thin, and a variety of kinds of beans, there were plenty of factors to consider as people rated and ranked their favorite samples.

After everybody had gotten a taste, the votes were tallied and the winner declared.

Going home with the prestigious Golden Ladle Award this year was Chuck Meyer of the Lion’s Club, winning by a comfortable 12 votes.

Sally Vowell of the Elks Club came in second place, followed by Zolton Zorzi of the Charles City Community Fund.

“This was a great way to showcase the different groups in Charles City,” said Wicks.