MIYAH MARTIN
Contributor
The Marion County VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) held their first Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off. It was held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. It was a friendly competition that tested the culinary talent of those in the community. The cook-off was at the VFW Post 6362 on 102 Pine Avenue, near the Jasper library.
The VFW is a community organization for veterans in Marion County. They help out in all areas of the county, from schools to retirement homes. The VFW supports veterans in need, no matter their age or situation, giving them wholehearted assistance.
The event was held to give the VFW more recognition in the community. The function also helped raise funds for events they participated in and held. Robert Collins, the event coordinator and post commander, stated, “The event is also something that brings people in the community together.”
The chili had a specific requirement to be dark (red) chili, light (white) chili, and vegetarian (meatless) chili. There were two groups of judges, the first group consisted of David Jackson, Paul Schaffer, and Ronnie (Bo) Burnette. The other group consisted of the visitors, who got to vote on each of the cook-off entrees. The contestants are scored by presentation and taste. There was $1,000 in prizes; $250 went to the judges’ and visitors’ choice of the best chili, $100 went to judges’ and visitors’ choice of the best cornbread, as well as each kind of chili offered.
Collins, in great hope for the event, said “We will continue to hold this event if it goes how we wish.” If they continue to hold the function, the VFW hopes to become more popular within the community, giving more veterans recognition. The event wasn’t just about who could make the best chili and cornbread, it was also about bringing the community together.
Photos by Miyah Martin