(Media release from Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation):
Twenty-six chili teams descended on Ridge Ferry Park on Saturday battling for the coveted championship Belt at the Chili Fest Chili Cook Off presented by Georgia Power.
When the smoke cleared, quite literally, Skip Dawg held the championship belt aloft as best overall chili as determined by a panel of six judges. Mama Dawg finished as runner-up with Papa Dews Chili grabbing third place.
The judges began by tasting all 26 chili recipes before naming 12 finalists. After the top three, the rest of the finalists in order of placement included Chili Joel (4), Rome Fire (5), Chili Pups (6), M & M Automotive (7), Sam n Ella’s Chili (8), Jen Jen Chili (9), Chili Flannels (9), Wildlife Delights (11) and Chili Pros (12).
More than 2,200 votes were cast in the People’s Choice voting with Papa Dews Chili grabbing first overall with more than 300 votes. The Outlaw Heifers finished second and the Chili Pros finished third. The rest of the top 10 included Georgia Power (4), Rock N Roll Sushi (5), Chuck Wagon Chili (6), Chili Pups (7), Grateful Red (8), Rome Fire (9) and Wildlife Delights (10).
Chili Pups won the award for best booth setup while the Outlaw Heifers took the award for best cook team name.
“I just really want to thank Georgia Power for helping make this event possible,” Todd Wofford, Director of Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation, said. “It was great to see a few thousand people enjoying a beautiful November day while tasting some amazing chili, listening to live music and shopping at craft vendors.”
