Mason-Dixon Chili Society returns with Feb. 25 competition

With or without beans? Kick it up with a spicy ghost pepper or keep it tame and flavorful with other spices? The great debate over who is the best chili chef kicks off again Feb. 25.

The 17th Annual Chili Cook-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Black River Coliseum to benefit the United Gospel Rescue Mission. It is sponsored by the Mason-Dixon Chili Society.

“We are anticipating more teams this year since we’re another year since COVID started,” said Sandy Wood of the Mason-Dixon Chili Society. “We also expect more turnout from the public as well. “

This day of the event the public is invited to attend for free, but donations are appreciated.

Registration deadline for any business, organization or individual who would like to participate is Feb. 13. Booth space will be $100 if registered by the deadline. Late registration will be $125 for booth space.

Sponsorship levels include: The Big Chili, $5,000; Ghost Pepper, $2,000; Habanero Pepper, $1,000; Jalapeno Pepper, $500; and Poblano Pepper, $300.

“All sponsors get one free team and are listed on the back of the T-shirt, but they must register by Feb. 13 to be on the shirt,” Wood explained.

There are various categories and prize levels.

Wood said, “Judges’ Choice is the big award that comes with bragging rights. This is given to the team who is determined by the chili tasting judges to have the best chili.”

People’s Choice is where the public can vote by placing money in the jar at the booth if they think the chili is the best, Wood said.

The Fundraising Award is given to the team who raises the most money in advance of the event.

“This could be raising money in various ways,” Wood said. “In the past, some teams have raised money by paying for casual Fridays, car wash, bake sale, etc.”

Best Decorated Booth, Wood said, “is a highly coveted award. A lot of the teams go all out to have the best decorated booth. This year, Steve Whitworth and a group he puts together will be the booth judges.”

Winners in each division judges’ choice, people’s choice, fundraising and best decorated will receive $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

Donations are needed for the set-up and Cook’s Party Feb. 24.

Wood said, “We need main dishes and side dishes - everything is appreciated. Soda, water, and energy drinks for Friday and Saturday are also needed.”

Wade Pierce and his band will provide live music again this year and “it should be a good time,” Wood said.

“It’s really a team effort,” said Wood. “Mason-Dixon Chili Society committee that puts this together includes John Scott, Joe Leahy, Chris Shrum, Steve Hicks, Rozetta Little, Jeannette Townsend and Rita Cooksey, and I have done this for several years. This year Belinda Birrer, Morgan Macintosh and Jerry Wawak have been added to the committee to help.”

For more information, contact Wood at swood@firstmissouristatebank.com or jtownsend@bgcpb.org.