A little thing like a blizzard can’t stop dedicated chili cooks.
A total of 18 cooks showed up Saturday to participate in the second annual CASI sanctioned chili cookoff at Benjamin A. Fuller American Legion Post 64.
“We had a few people call from the Kansas City area who said they couldn’t make it because the roads were slick, but this is a good turnout,” said Lee Kroencke. “The popularity of this cookoff is growing. You can tell that by the people coming out in this weather and cooking.”
Julie Wiedner and her husband, Fred, drove 2 1/2 hours from Windsor, Mo., to take part in the event. “The roads weren’t too bad coming down,” she said. “I hope they’re the same way going back home.”
There was one concession to the weather. “We were going to have this out on the parking lot, but the post was kind enough to let the chili cooks move inside the post home,” Kroencke said.
However, those competing in the wing category had to cook outside. “They have hot grease to fry the wings, so for safety reasons, they couldn’t come inside,” Kroencke said. “I think they deserve an award for that.”
Chad McCauley, Pittsburg, who’s been a Kansas wing champion four or five times, said he didn’t mind being in the snow and cold.
“I like this weather,” McCauley said. “It’s better than cooking in August when the temperature is 100 degrees.”
CASI events typically benefit a charity, and last year cookoff proceeds went to the American Legion’s baseball program for youth.
“This year we’re helping the American Legion Riders,” said Travis McCauley, who’s been cooking wings for two years and chili for over 20 years.
“We’ve got a dedicated bunch of competitors here,” said Eric Rosenblad, Pittsburg. “I think it’s a tribute to the way we put on chili cookoffs here in Pittsburg.”
Chili winners were as follows: Matt Frye, Pittsburg, first; Jacob Brower, Pittsburg, second; Erwin Clark, Kansas City, Mo., third; Angie Tate, Kansas City, Kan., fourth; Lee Kroencke, Lenexa, fifth; Richard McGwire, Mulberry, sixth; Eric Rosenblad, Pittsburg, seventh; Fred Wiedner, Windsor, Mo., eighth; Tyson Shelley, Pittsburg, ninth; Colleen McGwire, Mulberry, 10th; and Julie Wiedner, Windsor, Mo., 11th.
Winning in showmanship were Jacob Brower, Pittsburg, first, Eric Rosenblad, Pittsburg, second, and Lee Kroencke, Lenexa, third.
Wing winners were Matt Frye, first, Chad McCauley, second, and Eric Rosenblad, third.
Winners in the salsa category were Eric Rosenblad, first, Laura Green, second, and Kevin Smith, third.
