Chili cook-off benefits Coshocton City Schools’ choirs
Kelly Sims dishes out the chili that won him the people’s choice award for two years. He competes in the Great American Chili Cook-Off at Coshocton Elementary School.
COSHOCTON – The cool fall morning was perfect day for filling up on delicious chili and listening to the talented choirs of the Coshocton City Schools. Saturday, Nov. 4 was the Great American Chili Cook-Off at Coshocton Elementary School.
Teresa Ott, travel director for the Coshocton Choir Parent Organization, said the cook-off had seven participants. Lunch was served at noon and included chili, grilled cheese, salad, cookie and a drink. When meal tickets were purchased, attendees were also given three “voting” tickets.
“Everyone can get a sample of chili from each contender. Each table has a bowl to collect the tickets and when you decide which chili you like best, you put your tickets in that bowl. You can put all the tickets in one bowl or split them up,” said Ott. She said they had several returning participants and new ones, too. The day also included a live auction, concerts and a 50/50 drawing. Ott said all of the money earned would go to the choirs for costumes, purchase of music and travel expenses.
Tom Waycaster joined the fun for the first time this year. His daughter, Emma, is in choir and asked him to make chili for the day. “She doesn’t like chili, but my son does. I’ve been working on my chili for a few days,” said Waycaster. He doesn’t have a secret ingredient, but does have a special way to prepare his chili. He usually makes his chili mild for his family, but adds wing sauce and jalapeno peppers to his own serving. “My chili went pretty fast this morning, so people must like it.”
This was Kelly Sims third year to be in the chili cook-off. “Aaron Mencer asked me to make chili a few years ago and it’s fun so I came back. I won people’s choice for two years.” Sims said he adds different spices to his chili to give it the unique flavor. “I love to cook.”
Pat Earley prepared chili for the first time this year. “I wanted to help support the music department. We have a really nice crowd and it’s great to see so many people supporting the arts and music and not just sports. This room (the cafeteria at the elementary school) is great for events like this and I’m glad so many people are able to see that.” Earley had already gone through a crock pot of chili and was given away her second. “I’m getting a lot of positive compliments, so people must like it. I don’t make it too spicy.”
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