The 2nd Annual Chili Fest (presented by the Whitesboro Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Holiday Autogroup) kicked off Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with a Fun Run. Racers lined up on Center Street to compete in a 10K, 5K or Fun Run that took them through residential streets around town. All participants received an event shirt and winners received medals. The race was sponsored by Integrity Medical Clinic and Perdueworks Therapy Group.
Chili Fest officially began at 10 a.m. with 20 vendors set up in the parking lot and street across from Past & Blast near downtown. DJ Jess provided music all day on the main stage and gave out prizes donated by area businesses and individuals. A kid zone provided bounce houses for children with the purchase of a wristband ($10 for an hour or $25 for the day).
At 11 a.m., the youth chili dog eating contest began – whoever could eat the most chili dogs in three minutes was named the winner. Hunter Gann claimed the prize of $200 cash.
Immediately following was the adult chili dog eating contest, in which Bailee Pinkston won $200 cash.
Later on, DJ Jess hosted a jalapeno eating contest. The winner was Whitesboro Fire Department’s Taylor Jeffrey.
At 12 p.m., judges tasted chili samples from 13 chili cookoff competitors and at 12:15 p.m., the community was able to purchase a punch card to sample all of the chili. Each taster also received a ticket, which was to be used to cast their vote for People’s Choice.
First place in the chili cook-off, winning $2,000 in prize money, was Eric Brennan with Beggers. Second place, winning $1,500 in prize money, was Great State of Texas Plumbing. Third place (and People’s Choice award winner), winning $1,000 in prize money, was Peanut Dads (Ryan Westbrook and Aaron Park).
Despite a hot, humid spring day and the threat of rain later in the afternoon (which caused the event to end a few hours early), Chili Fest was a success and drew a good crowd to downtown Whitesboro. People are already looking forward to next year’s event.
