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Chili for Children had a big turn out; the winning team took home two trophies

The 12th Annual Chili for Children cookoff had a big turn out this afternoon and the winning team took home two trophies.
This fundraising, non-profit event sends its proceeds to support the Warren County Children’s Shelter and Jacob’s Ladder Learning Center. Each year, teams and businesses enter their chili to support the cause. This year, 14 teams entered and had a chance to win in the following categories: People’s Choice, Best Decorated Booth, and Best Tasting Chili (which will include awards for first, second, and third place.)
The following teams entered:
- Kacie Lindsey, Awesome Dang Southern Chili
- Shawn Williams, W&W Smokin’ BBQ
- Jason Vega, Jason Vega’s Roofing
- Bill Owens, Jackson MS Bandidos
- Dusty McCain, Squealin Pig BBQ
- Julie P. Johnson, Keller Williams Realty
- Angie Anderson, Groovy Gang Chili
- Paul Barnes, Chili-Licious!
- John Robert Ward, Cannon Motors
- Johnny Reynolds, St. Joseph Hospice
- Rett Evans, Nacho Men
- Rachel Dean, Bowmar Elementary
- Wilson Carroll, Holy Trinity
- Kacie Whittington, Billy’s Italian
The theme this year was disco inferno and everyone was in bright spirits for this local festivity. There was a bounce house and a blow up slide for kids. 70’s music could be heard amidst laughter and conversation. The Radio People hosted the event and it was sponsored by Lady Luck Casino. Chris Burkes announced the winners around 2:45 p.m., shortly after announcing the winners of the raffle.
Raffle Winners:
- Victor Parker won the “Taste of Vicksburg” with a gift certificate to the gumbo pot, the Biscuit Company, Culley’s BBQ, and dipping sauces from Koby’s.
- Daryle Whittington won the “Home Accessory Package” with gift certificate to the Levee Street Marketplace, a certificate to the Gumbo Pot, Modern Vibes ornate candlesticks, and wine from The Liquor Store
- Joe Mocknick won the “Downtown Day” with coffee for two at Hwy 61 Coffeehouse, tickets for two to the Vicksburg Civil War Museum, a gift certificate to Mighty River Records, a gift certificate to Magnolia Jewlers, Mississippi honey from Koby’s and Mississippi Fever from Koby’s
- Claire Huntley won “A Night on the Town” with dinner at the Gumbo Pot, a movie for two at The Strand Theater, accommodations at The Courtyard by Marriot, wine from The Liquor Store, and breakfast at the Bistro
- Christie Guillot won a second “Taste of Vicksburg” package
- Kay Daniel won a “Lady’s Package” with yard art from the Flower Center, a canvas painting from the Levee Street Marketplace, a gift from Tina’s Flowers and Gifts, and a cookbook from Lorelei Books
- Veronica Jefferies won the “Home Entertainment Package” with a Visio T.V. valued at 1050 dollars
Contest Winners:
- People’s Choice Award: Nacho Man
- Best Decorated Booth: Groovy Gang
- Third Place: Jason Vega’s Roofing
- Second Place: Billy’s Italian
- First Place: Groovy Gang
Groovy Gang took home two prizes and a lot of money was raised for the Warren County Children’s Shelter and Jacob’s Ladder Learning Center. To everyone who came out and supported the cause, the Radio People gave a huge, “thank you.” The Chili for Children Cookoff plans to host another event next year.
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