INSPIRASUNS

So you all know that yesterday was our little community’s chili cook-off. I’ve never participated in one, so this go around, I not only submitted an entry, I volunteered to host it.

Now many of you know that planning events is a skill set of mine, well like it’s actually a very large part of my job 🙂 . But I have to tell you this was a different type of event. I actually spent some time researching the various ways you can host one, and I must admit some of these chili cook-offs are pretty elaborate! No wonder the fire stations get into these events, shew the competition! Anyway, I did my research, found some great decorating ideas and awards on Etsy, and just had fun planning it, (btw, special thanks to the small group of friends who helped decorate on Friday).

We had nine residents sign up to submit entries, and half of the community brought the side dishes and the appetite to judge. It was a beautiful day, and the entries arrived right on schedule. Everyone picked a number, completed a little form about their chili, and we were ready to go.

Everyone began rolling in, with many new residents, which was great to see. Before we even began the tasting, it was wonderful to watch the welcoming of new residents and the catching up with those just back in town for the “season”.

I kept the judging very simple: just sample each chili, write the number of the one you think is the best on the ballot, and drop it in the box. The entries were ahhhmazing!!! Every chili was really good and it was difficult to choose. It was great fun to try and determine what ingredient I was tasting. Everyone was impressed with the entries!

Time for the judging, I made sure to have someone other than myself count the ballots as I had an entry in the race. Votes were tallied and winners were announced. I ordered awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, these great engraved cutting boards and wooden spoons, (again, check out the talented small business owners on Etsy). Anyway, to my surprise I snuck in the win 🙂 . I guess “Mom’s Tailgate Chili”, a recipe I made for our post-Thanksgiving bonfires, held its own.

It was just a fun day and great to have our community together to make and share some simple but really tasty food. We ate, laughed, and shared stories. We continue to learn more and more about each other and we continue to grow together. God has blessed us in so many ways.

So, just a little recap of my first chili cook-off. I think the conscientious is to make it an annual event. Will I plan it next year, who knows, but it’s good to know that people enjoyed it.

Have a wonderful day my friends 🙂

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.