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Rain Falls On Chili-Fest

By Staff | Nov 4, 2009

Pennie Sapp and Cora Wood are ready to serve chili at the Open Door Ministries booth Saturday afternoon on Main Street in New Martinsville.

The 10th annual Chili-Fest, sponsored by the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce, may have been dampened by some rain Saturday, but area residents still came out to Main Street to taste the concoctions, participate in contests, and just generally enjoy the festival.

It appeared that the attendance was down some because of the weather, but after a soggy start, the rain stopped and the tasting began in earnest.

Because of the downpour, the annual costume parade didn’t take place, but those who braved the weather in their regalia were judged. Winners in the costume contest, who received ribbons, were as follows.

Age three and under: first place, Joellen Witschey of New Martinsville; second place, Pitter Pat Jeffers of New Martinsville; and third place, Jordyn (no last name given) of Moundsville.

Age four to six: first place, Kyra Cisar of New Martinsville; second place, Bailey Slie of New Martinsville; and third place, Conner Dyer of Moundsville.

Winners in the chili and taste-off competitions are pictured above: Darrell Cecil and George Dyer, people’s choice, $50; First Christian Church, Cory (behind), Ethan, and Jesse Coulter, best costume, $50; salsa, blue ribbon; “other” taste-off category, first place, blue ribbon; restaurant, trophy, Baristas, Soren (behind) and Jill Shade; individuals, $100 and a trophy, Top Gun, Devon Lemon backed by Mike Lemon and Robert Busick; bowl of chili, blue ribbon, Scream N Dogs, Jackie and Dom Garuccio; professional, $100 and a trophy, Peoples Bank, Terri Bokins and Eileen Tuttle; and non-profit, $100 and a trophy, Amanda Ice Scholarship, Donna Ice. Not pictured is a representative of Community Resources, Inc. who won best table, $50.

Age seven to nine: first place, Kelci Lockhart of New Martinsville; second place, Zachary Slie of New Martinsville; third place, Alex Berger of New Martinsville.

Age 10-12: first place, Kyla Lockhart of New Martinsville; second place, Cassi Smith of Paden City; third place, Anne Miller of New Martinsville.

The main contest of the day is of course involves chili and other things of a spicy nature. Those winners are listed under the large photo below.

Jeremy Gaiser of Moundsville won the hot dog eating contest. He received a t-shirt, $25 gift certificate, and $30 cash.

Winners in the Wetzel County’s Got Talent show were first place, Brittany Weekley and Jasmine Kyle; second place, Ryan Ritchie; and third place, Renee Smith and Katie Plas.

Winners in the Mr. and Mrs. Chili Fest and Chili Fest Prince and Princess received a savings bond, sash, crown, and gift bag. Also, all contestants received a gift bag. Pictured from left are Mr. Chili Fest Isaac Voorhis, Miss Chili Fest Isabella Yoho, Chili Fest Prince Kayden Jones, and Chili Fest Princess Faith Yoho.

Despite the rain, some children still showed up for the costume contest at the Chili-Fest.

Rob Campbell provided music during the 10th annual Chili-Fest that makes the group of girls, Megan Vandruff, Ali Miller, and Kelsi Vandruff, kick up their heels.