Halloween Chili Cook-off and Costume Contest Party

Halloween Chili Cook-off and Costume Contest

Saturday, October 18, 2008, 5:30 PM

Location: Bayview Marina pool area

Event Wrap-up: We enjoyed wonderful mild weather again this year, for our Annual Halloween Chili Cook-off. This was the best attended party, so far this year, and we want to thank the many adults and children who came in costume and made it more fun for everyone.

The band, Southern Spur, played live, as partiers made the rounds, sipping beer and sampling the chili from the decorated tables of our 19 contestants. Many tables also featured homemade salsa. Little toys and prizes were given to all the children. Throughout the evening, ever more men seemed preoccupied with determining exactly what infraction might result in their being frisked by "Girl Cop".

While others were having fun, our panel of 5 judges was hard at work, seriously evaluating chili. The judging was blind, using code-numbered sample cups. Judges gave each contestant an overall score (0-10), after considering: Color/Appearance, Aroma, Taste, Consistency, and Aftertaste. The results were:

Best Chili, Judge's Choice
1st Place - Sean Hibbs (last year's winner repeats!)
2nd Place - Don Riggs
3rd Place - Bettye Ann Howell

Attendees were given ballot slips to vote on their favorite chili, table decoration and presentation, and salsa. The result of the voting was:

People's Choice Awards
Best Chili - Robin Tomberlin
Best Table Presentation - Robin Tomberlin
Best Homemade Salsa - Karen Rodarte

Best Costumes were determined by popular acclamation, the loudest cheers deciding the winners. The results - both 'O-dockers' - were:
Best Men's Costume - Terry ("White Trash")
Best Women's Costume - Roxanne ("Pinocchia")

White Trash Pinocchia

Our thanks to the contestants, for sharing your fine chili and salsa. Thanks to the hard-working club Commodore and his Lady, and everyone who helped them decorate, and/or clean up afterwards. And, again, thanks to everyone who got in the spirit and entertained us with your costumes.