Chili cook-off is Saturday at BRC

The Mason-Dixon Chili Society is preparing for the largest cook-off to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission Saturday at the Black River Coliseum.

“We have 36 teams signed up for the 15th annual event,” said society member and banker Sandy Wood. “Everyone is fighting to have the best chili recipe. We are expecting to have the best year ever.”

While 33 teams registered last year, only 31 showed up, Wood said. Some of the competitors have been participating since the beginning of the event sand others will be cooking for the first time.

DAR/Paul Davis Chili cookoff judges Patricia Hall (from right), Brad Hall and others sample the large selection of entries during Saturday's event, which drew more competitors than ever.

Wood stated, “What better to do on a cold February Saturday than attend the chili cook-off? You see everyone, taste good chili and listen to good music. There is no such thing as bad weather for chili. If it is raining or cold, it gives you something to do.”

The free event will open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each team is asked to prepare a five-gallon roaster of chili for the judges and for those who drop by to taste test. Anyone may come in and taste as many different samples as they want.

Entertainment will be provide by Associate Circuit Judge Wade Pierce’s band Just-US and Jerry Wawak.

The public may vote for the peoples’ choice, but the overall winner is determined by blind judging.

Prizes of first, second and third will be awarded for booth decorations, fundraising, blind judging, people’s choice and the surprise category, which began last year and the team spirit award, which is announced the day of the event, Wood said.

The cook-off usually raises about $15,000, which helps with the mission expenses. The money helps the mission provide food to the needy and run a men’s recovery program.

“We need to help them with their budget,” Wood said.

Among the sponsors are Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Commerce Bank, Southeast Signs and Graphics, Kohlfeld Distributing, MO-Ark Provisions Co. Inc., Stinson Press, Pizza Inn, First Missouri State Bank, Smith & Company Engineers, Scott Law Firm, LLC, Sterling Insurance, Just Us Band, Colton’s and Buffalo Wild Wings.