According to Chili King Bill Friedman, an estimated record crowd of about 10,000 people flooded the streets of West Chester Borough Sunday, October 9^th, when the annual Chili Cook-off returned for its 20^th year!^. Lines of chili lovers  formed prior to noon, and booths remained busy until the awards presentations at 3:30, although many booths had run out of chili by then.

 

Sponsors helping Rotary host the popular event, which is 100% volunteer driven, included Stoltfus RV’s & Marine, Christ Community Church, Lorgus Flower Shop, West, Arthur Hall Insurance, Blue Dog Printing & Design, Chester County Eye Care, Greystone, A. Martinelli & Sons, A Storage Depot, WAWA, and 1^st Resource Bank. Sixteen other businesses and organizations also supported the event.

 

The first place winner in the People’s Choice Division was Parrot Troopers, who have participated for many years, and won in most divisions nearly every year. Ryan’s Pub took first place in the Restaurant Division, a first time cooking Arthur Hall Insurance won in the Business Division, Church Farm School, which has won in many categories for several years, won in the Non-profit Division, and Hammacher & Schlemmer won in the Hometown/Volunteer Division. Go to the Chili Cook-off link on our website for the complete listing of the first through third place winners in all divisions.

Thanks to Jeff Cantwell, who captured the photo of the Arthur Hal Insiurance booth, and Anne Driscoll, who arranged for the photo of she and Sue Casso selling swag.

 

As usual, the popular event attracted chili lovers from neighboring communities and states, as well as local folks. A family affair, there was a Kids Zone again.   In addition, over 70 vendors sold everything from ice cream and kettle corn to art, jewelry and other interesting merchandise. Something for the tiniest tot to the entire family!

 

As always, 100% of the cook-off proceeds go to the good works of our club.