Do you have what it takes to go toe to toe in Fulton's fiercest chili cook-off? Six contestants tested their mettle and felt the heat Saturday afternoon when they competed in the second annual Relay For Life of Callaway County chili cook-off at the First Baptist Church.
With all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society, hungry townsfolk were treated to an all-they-could-eat smorgasbord featuring a variety of delicious chilies, and the musical styling of the band "Varlet Hearts." Cancer survivors and kids ate for free.
Relay For Life is a fundraising event for the ACS that takes place in communities all over the world. Relay events can be as short as six hours long, or run a full 24. Teams take turns walking around a track, symbolizing the ongoing fight against cancer. Ray Paine said he has been participating in Relay events for the last 18 years.
"Back in the early 90's, my wife lost her mother to cancer," he said. "Well, my mom does quilts for the ACS, and she said I should get involved. I was uncertain at first, but I decided to do it."
Paine, who races cars at the Callaway Raceway, said he his car sports an American Cancer Society decal.
"I had a friend put an ACS sticker on my car," Paine said. "People have been really supportive of that."
Christa Daro is also a member of a a local Relay team.
"I have been part of a Relay team for about four years now," Daro said.
She said her favorite chili that day was David Shawley's entry.
It seems the competition's judges agreed with Daro's assessment, declaring Shawley's homemade chili the winner for a second year in a row. Shawley said there is no secret to his chili success.
"I would suggest to taste as you go," Shawley said. "Then, I like to put [my chili] in the refrigerator over night, and warm it back up the next day. It seems to intensify the flavor."
Shawley is also a believer in putting beans in his dish, a chili blaspheme in some circles.
"I like beans in my chili," Shawley said. "I use kidney and black beans. I feel they add a bit of texture."
Another contestant, Caitlin Wentworth, dials back the beans a bit for her recipe.
"I use very little beans," she said. "I like mine to be middle spicy, but definitely more spicy than sweet."
Wentworth said she entered the chili cook-off to support the cause.
"I'm just here to support Relay," she said.
The next event benefiting the Callaway County Relay For Life is a trivia night at 54 Country Friday, Jan. 27. Doors open at 6 p.m. and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Teams can be as large as 8 players, and it is $180 per team. Sign up at 54 County or by e-mailing [email protected].