It was a year of firsts, full tummies and smiling faces at the 13th Annual Mason-Dixon Chili Society Chili Cook Off Saturday at the Black River Coliseum. Aiming to raise funds for the United Gospel Rescue Mission (UGRM), 28 competing teams and a few hundred people gathered to accomplish what mission director Rev. Greg Kirk called "yet another fundraising success."
"Every year we come together as a community and pull off this successful event," Kirk said. "It's so much fun and we truly appreciate all the hard work that goes into it and all the donations we receive as a result."
Donna Schumacher, of Poplar Bluff, said she wasn't sure what to expect, but found mild chili is her preference and that interacting with the community was a nice way to spend a rainy day.
"I'm enjoying being out of the house and seeing people, and spending time with my friend," Schumacher said, as she listened to the live band, the Thin Blue Line, perform well-known country tunes.
Another first was had by Jason Smothers of Sunset Pool, Spa and Metalcraft, whose team of four was confident with a recipe rooted in Italian sausage.
"We've always wanted to do this, but we always miss the deadline," Smothers said. "But this year, we got it."
Smothers said he thinks his team will win because of "the sweet touch" of a man named Thomas J. Tucker and the expertise of "four fat guys who like chili."
"That's the difference in our chili," Smothers added.
Brock Littles of First Midwest Bank said he has attended past chili cook offs as a community member, but that this is the first year he has participated on a team. First Midwest's theme and team name was, "Midwest Mafia."
"We're here because we're in it to win it," Littles said. "And to raise some money for a good cause."
Littles said he made Midwest Mafia's chili "100 percent" by himself and that his secret ingredient is love.
Poplar Bluff City Councilman Steve Davis, for the first time, judged the chili contest. He spent the morning tasting chili after chili.
"I didn't eat for two days to prepare," Davis said with a smile. "They're all good. Some of them stand out a little more than others. It's been interesting."
Despite the trend, yesterday's event was not a first for everyone. Paul McVey, of Poplar Bluff, said he attends every year to meet people and, of course, to eat chili.
"I want it a little bit spicy and I do happen to like it with beans," McVey said. "I know that's not the connoisseurs way, but that is how I like it."
McVey said the UGRM has done plenty of good work in the community through the years and he enjoys supporting the cause.
Shortly after 1 p.m., it was announced that Triple Bs, or Bluff Burgers and Brew, won first prize in the Judge's Choice chili contest and received a plaque to complement the Best Decorated Booth award they'd earned earlier in the day.
The People's Choice award went to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC), and Mid Continent Nail Corp., won first place in fundraising.
Organizer Sandy Wood said the event is only possible because of its sponsors: PBRMC; Dr. Yeoman's Dermatology Office; Commerce Bank; Scott Law Group; Sterling Insurance; Stinson Press; Luecke Distributing; Smith & Co.; Rep. Todd Richardson; Sanders Construction; Spectra; Poplar Bluff Realty Inc.; and Southern Sign & Graphics.