Caring Hearts Free Clinic hosted its inaugural Chili Cookoff, Chili Chili Bang Bang, on Saturday, October 21. The cookoff was held at the Farmers’ Market during the 16th annual Apple Dumpling Festival.

Nine cooks entered their delicious chili to be judged and for the public to enjoy. Each of the chili entries was judged based on four categories:  uniqueness, aroma, texture, and flavor. After the judging, the chili cookoff opened for the public to taste!  For $5, the public was able to sample all chili entries, receive one bowl of their favorite along with condiments (cornbread, bread, cheese, sour cream). They also got a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize from an area business.

The public had the important job on deciding who would win the People’s Choice Award. Everyone who purchased a ticket rated each cook on a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the best. The following winners were crowned.

Grand prize winner was Stanley Fain, who won a cash prize; second place went to Anita Prutting representing One Family Productions. She won a vacation package donated by Dr. and Mrs. Rick Cole. Prutting also won “best presentation” for having the best table decorations. Third place went to Ruthann Russell who won Tweetsie Railroad tickets and a gift certificate from On The Run.

The People’s Choice Award went to Patrick County 4-H sponsored by Carol Byrd and Betty Kirkpatrick. The group included Breanna Cox, Brianna Knight, Shyann Kerce, Heather Kerce, and Kali Craig. They won a gas card from Clark Gas & Oil and gift card from Walmart.

Christie Fain, executive director of Caring Hearts Free Clinic, said the clinic staff is thankful for everyone who participated in this event to make it such a huge success. They thank all the sponsors, volunteers, staff, Town of Stuart, cooks, and the public for making this event happen, and hope to see everyone back next year.

For more pictures of the event please visit Caring Hearts Free Clinic’s Facebook page.