First Annual ‘Community No Holds Barred Chili Cook-Off’ event a ‘Big Gas’

Twenty Three of the area’s “Chili-Chefs” faced off at the 1st Annual event held at Milan’s historic “Old Shack” last Saturday night, “What a night,” one of the patrons said, “I’ve never seen so much chili in one place. I’m having a Blast!”

The event was the brain child of Dan Bishop, who claims to have the best homemade chili around. For several weeks he was talking trash and egging people on, to enter their chili's in the contest. Dan said “It’s just for fun; I want people to get out and get involved.”

He started a small chili cook-off contest last year amongst his fellow city employees and thought it would be great to involve the community, so he approached Sue and Jake, the owners of the Old Shack with the idea. As the entries came in over the weeks leading to the event, Sue, one the owners of the Old Shack said, “I never expected this big of a turn out; I thought we might get 8 to 10 people to enter, But 23- Wow!”

The entries were in the door by 6:00PM. The judges started sampling the chili’s at 6:30; each was given a score card, some bread, crackers and water to refresh themselves in between samples. They had only a number on the bowl to identify the sample; they judged each with a numbering system for, texture, appearance, heat, and taste.

“I wouldn’t want the judge’s job” Jake said, “I can’t take the heat”. When the judging was done, it was the public’s turn.

 Everyone was lining up for a bowl of chili; many tried all 23. I don’t know how they did it!

 When it was all said and done, the winners we’re announced as follows- 3rd Place Dale Ayers, 2nd Place Cathy Gilson and 1st place went to Kenny (K.B.) Billau.

Others awards were “Most Obscure” taken by Shirley Zinker, “Hottest” award went to K.B. Kenny Billau, and the “People’s Choice” was also taken by K.B. who seemed to be on top of his game, K.B. is known for his ability to cook, both on the grill and over the stove.

It was a great night; a free dinner out for everyone. The chili and corn bread was free for the tasting after the judges had their fill. There were no complaints, just full patrons.

The event had several special guests, but the one who made the night complete, did it with song.

“Billy – G” provided his musical talents to the amazement of the crowd, as he tickled the ivory’s and sang the songs that so many remembered and sang along to. “This Guy’s Great”, many patrons stated. The ladies were all starry-eyed when he sang some of the best known love songs from the 50’s all the way to some of the current ballads. He used his keyboards and computer to make the sounds of a full band. One of the patrons even gave “Billy-G” more money to stay and play longer, and after 5 hours with only 2 breaks “Billy-G” had to call it a night.

I was told by the owners, that they will be bringing him back very soon! “I don’t remember having this much fun in a while” Sue stated.

Jake and Sue, wish to thank everyone for coming out, and especially to those who helped make the event so much fun and a great success. Hey Dan, maybe next year? Written by D. Gilson