Annual chili cook-off heats up Amundsen Park

By Rob Vogt
Eight teams gathered in downtown Amundsen Park last Thursday with one goal – who can cook the best chili in town.
The Claresholm Local Press hosted its annual chili cook-off on Aug. 6, attracting eight entries.
When the smoke cleared after intense deliberations by the judges, the results were:
• First, Darla Slovak;
• Second, Vydelle Seitz.
The judging panel consisted of David Knox, town councillor; Seannon Ocampo, previous chili cook-off champion; Chris Carr, the town’s community peace officer; Kelly Starling, emergency services manager for the Municipal District of Willow Creek; and Shauna Anderson, president of the Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce.
Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to vote for the people’s choice, paying $1 for each vote.
After all the votes were tallied the Chaykowski family and their Chilowski chili was the people’s choice.
“It went really well,” said Amanda Zimmer, publisher of the Local Press, who organized the event. “We appreciate everyone who entered.”
A total of 110 bowls of chili and eight dozen hot dogs were sold.
Flights or sampler platters of chili were also available, and 200 cups were sold through them as well.
“It was a great success once again because we sold out,” Zimmer said. “Our success is due to all the people who made chili and all the people who supported the event.”
The event raised $1,162 for the Christmas Hamper Program, while the people’s choice voting raised $100 for the Claresholm Food Bank.
The Local Press also held a food drive on wheels during the parade on saturday, Aug. 8, collecting $75 and two shopping carts full of items for the food bank.