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Chili cook-off bowls over hungry crowd at Vienna church

Community members gathered to try 11 different chili options at Wayside United Methodist Church on Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

VIENNA — Wayside United Methodist Church held a chili cook-off Saturday night as part of its community outreach events.

“We do different free events each year that involve serving food,” said church member Stephanie Shepard.

Close to 50 people attended Saturday’s event to enjoy 11 different chili options, peanut butter sandwiches, crackers and beverages.

“The chili was all really good,” said Stella Johnson, of Williamstown, who heard about the event and thought it would be a fun way to support the community.

“None of the options were very spicy, but they were very creative. I especially enjoyed the pizza chili option,” said Johnson.

Michael Floyd, a leader of Cub Scout Pack 20, brought a muffin tin to hold his chili samples at Saturday’s cook-off. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

The pizza option Johnson mentioned was well liked, and was awarded first place.

“It was an experimental chili, the idea came from my son,” said John Shepard, a church member.

John Shepard said in past chili cook-offs he has done unique flavors as well.

“I try to do something out of ordinary every time. I have made chocolate chili, coke chili, taco chili and this year supreme pizza chili,” said Shepard.

Other chili options included chicken chili, vegetarian chili and traditional chili.

Betty Sutherland passes out her chili, Saucy Alabama Chili, to attendees Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Those in attendance voted for their top three favorites, and according to Stephanie Shepard the final count was close and there were only three votes different between first and second place.

In first was John Shepard with the supreme pizza chili; second was Sara Lamb with a traditional chili; and third was Dave Benton with a chicken chili.

“Overall tonight was a big success, everyone had fun and we saw new faces from the community come join us,” said Stephanie Shepard.

The church’s next community event will be a pancake supper on Feb. 25.

Madeline Scarborough can be contacted at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com

Paul Stone, of Vienna, fills up on chili at the Wayside United Methodist Church chili cook-off Saturday. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

The top three winners of the chili cook-off were, from left, Dave Benton, third, Sara Lamb, second, and John Shepard, first. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

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