SOUTH FORK—The annual South Fork Chili Cook-Off fired up on Thursday, Oct 12 at the community building, bringing the spice of life to the party in South Fork.
The event began several years ago as a way to bring a new event to the slow season in South Fork and has grown from a measly two to three chili contestants to 11 contestants and well over 250 people who came out to participate and enjoy delicious homemade chili and salsa.
Contestants showed up around 4 p.m. to begin decorating tables and set up their entries for the coming night. The theme for this year’s event was in honor of South Fork’s 25th anniversary of becoming an incorporated town and contestants pulled out all the stops. Tables were laden with silver, sparkling table cloths, aspen trees decorated with memories of chili cook-offs in the past and odes to the town and all it has to offer in outdoor recreation with sleds, skis fishing poles and more.
The contestants included chefs from Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant, Two Rivers BBQ and Rachel’s Keep On Keepin’ On, as well as local residents out to vie for the top spot in the chili and salsa contest. According to several guests in attendance, this year was one of the highest attended events with more than 250 people coming to vote on their favorites in three categories.
Representatives from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife were in attendance to answer questions and give tips and tricks hunters visiting the area. They provided pamphlets and hunting brochures to those seeking additional information. The reps were seen participating in the tasting part of the contest as well, casting their votes and mingling with the crowd.
Several of the town staff and board members were also present, talking with residents and guests while partaking in the contest. The Chapel of South Fork was busy in the kitchen, handing out hot dogs and sweet treats to raise money for next year’s cook-off.
At the end of the evening, South Fork Visitor Center Director Mark Teders and three volunteers helped count the massive number of votes that were gathered throughout the night. The results were as follows: for the green category, first place went to Barb’s Comfort Chili; second place went to Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant, and third place went to the Rio Grande Club.
In the red category, first place went to Ramon’s; second place went to Joann White, and third place went again to the Rio Grande Club. In the salsa category, first place went to Ramon’s; second place went to The Chili Chicks, and third place went to Kracka Lacken. For the table decorating contest, first place went to Ramon’s; second place went to The Chili Chicks, and third place went to Rachel’s Keep On Keepin’ On.
Teders announced that plans for next year may include a bigger venue due to the number of people who showed up for this year’s event. Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed a night of fun.