Czhilispiel Turns 49!

Beautiful weather smiled on Flatonia’s marquee festival, Czhilispiel, this weekend. This was the 49th version of the event that started nearly a half century ago as a chili cook-off fundraiser to help get a doctor for the town. It’s now grown to also include music, a carnival, and Sunday’s grand parade (pictured here). Above, Flatonia ISD employees were Parade Marshalls for Czhilispiel 49 as well as longtime civic leader Beverly Ponder (right). Photos by Stephanie Steinhauser