Cold Weather Doesn’t Stop Round Top Chili Cookoff
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Winners of the People’s Choice Award, as voted by the Cook-off Attendees – Team Masonjay – SWBC -
Winners of the Traditional Chili category, as awarded by the judges – the Best Overall Chili Team. -
Winners of the Open Chili Category, as awarded by the judges - Country Properties at Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty -
Winners of Best Showmanship, as awarded by the judges – Round Top Road Chili Co.
25 Teams Competed for Top Honors; Amidst the Chill Some Teams Opt to Cook Inside
Apolar vortex was not enough to dampen the enthusiasm of 25 Chili Cook-Off teams vying for recognition at the Round Top Family Library’s 19th Annual Chili Cook-Off, held last Sunday. With the arrival of arctic weather, event planners pivoted quickly, moving most teams and activities inside the spacious Round Top Rifle Hall. Teams were offered the option to cook outside, as is tradition, or cook in advance and warm-up/serve inside the Hall. Eight hardy teams braved the cold – chilly temps could not dampen their enthusiasm and fun.
By noon, the aroma of hearty chili filled the Hall and surrounding grounds. Veteran cooking teams such as the Best Overall Chili Team and Bybee Cookers shared space and advice with newcomers, such as Southfork BBQ and Chili Willie’s - Mac’s Dacs. The traditional battle between the RT-C High School Senior Class and Junior Class was also waged.
Participants wandered throughout the Hall and tasted many varieties of chili, accompanied with delicious condiments at brightly decorated booths. This year’s Cook-Off offered both Traditional and Open Divisions, so there was plenty of good ole’ Texas Red Chili as well as other delicious offerings such as white chili and vegetarian chili. The Black Cat Choir entertained the crowd while guests sampled chili, browsed the Live Auction items, explored the book sale, and enjoyed the sweets tables. Kids were treated to free activities, including face-painting, crafts and a cotton candy stand. At 2 p.m., auctioneer Heather Kaspar of Buck-Up Auctions enticed the crowd to gather around the dance floor for an exciting Live Auction. Fierce bidding took place on items such as a Black Cat Choir concert and stays at luxurious vacation homes in Sullivan, Maine and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
The crowd cheered as the eagerly awaited winner announcements were made. For the official Judge Awards, the winners were:
Traditional Division
1st Place: Best Overall
Chili 2nd Place: Big Daddy Blue (Bluebonnet Abstract) 3rd Place: All Fired Up! The Warrenton Crew Open Division :
1st Place: Country Properties at Martha Turner Sotheby’s Country Properties 2nd Place: Red Hot Hodde Peppers
3rd Place: Team Mason-Jay - SWBC
Best Showmanship:
Round Top Road Chili Company And the highly coveted People’s Choice Best Chili Award, as voted by the attendees, was presented to Team MasonJay – SWBC.
In the High School Challenge, the Junior Class was victorious over the Senior Class of 2024.
The Annual Chili Cookoff is a favorite Round Top event, drawing hundreds of participants regardless of the weather. The Round Top Family Library is so appreciative of the community’s support.
This year’s results certainly exceeded expectations in terms of participation, enthusiasm, and support.