October 19, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Who makes the best chili in DeKalb County? Find out on Friday, October 26th when Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County hosts its 15th annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale.
Chili will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the DeKalb Courthouse Lawn. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to the DeKalb County Complex. For a cash donation, eat all the chili you want and vote for your favorite chili and the best decorated booth. Ceramic chili mugs with the event’s logo are available for $20.00. Delicious baked goods prepared by members of local churches will also be for sale. Take out is also available.
“We are looking forward to another great day of good food and fellowship at the chili cook-off,” said Alex Woodward, president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County. “The proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will be used towards building our current house for the Nokes family, so we hope everyone will come out and eat lots of chili for a great cause!”
There are 12 teams competing in the Chili Cook-off this year: “Cheese Wagon Chili” from DeKalb Transportation Department; “The Bean Counters” from Janney & Associates; “Hot Checks Chili” from Wilson Bank and Trust; “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials; “DC Health Dept. Heartburn Defenders” from the DeKalb County Health Department; “Brake for Chili” from Federal Mogul Motorparts; “First Bank’s First Chili” from First Bank; “Loan Rangers” from Liberty State Bank; “MTNG Clubhouse Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas; “Power House Chili” from Smithville Electric System; Smithville Police Department; and “Just Good Chili” from The Inn at Evins Mill.
Last year, “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation took Top Chili Honors, with “Liberty and Chili For All” from Liberty State Bank coming in second place. Third place chili honors went to “The Courthouse Gang” from the DeKalb County Officials. The Best Decorated Booth Award also went to “Cheese Wagon Chili” from the DeKalb County Department of Transportation, with “Team MTNG – Cooking with Gas” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas coming in second place and “The Bean Counters” from Janney and Associates, CPA’s placing third.
The 2017 event raised $5,300 for Habitat for Humanity. A “Golden Spoon” award again be given for the team that collects the most extra cash for Habitat at their booth. Last year, the Golden Spoon Award went to the team “Bobby Ray Detachment 1377” from the Marine Corps League, who raised $143.00 for Habitat in cash donations at their booth.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
For more information on the Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, contact Tecia Pryor at 615-597-7370. To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, call 615-215-8181.