Chili Cook-Off raises $1,000 for fire department

Saturday’s Chili Cook-Off raised $1,000 for the Holton Fire Department, and Holton Fire Chief Kevin Ingels said funds raised may go to remodel a part of the fire station that is used by the public as well as the fire department.

Visitors to downtown Holton that day were given the opportunity to sample 15 different chilis and soups, as well as vote for their favorite chili on the day, in addition to helping raise funds for the fire department. The event also was conducted in conjunction with the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce’s “Fall Fest” even on the Jackson County Courtyard.

Ingels said the $1,000 raised during the Cook-Off may be put into remodeling the basement room in the Public Safety Building or purchasing additional firefighting gear.

“It’s also a safety room for Holton residents who don’t have a tornado shelter in their own homes,” he said of the basement at the Public Safety Building. “The fire department also uses it for a kitchen, and some of the funds raised will be used to remodel that area. We might also purchase some firefighting gear with it.”

Ingels also expressed the fire department’s gratitude to the event’s chili cooks, as well as all those who took advantage of “a beautiful day” to visit Holton’s Town Square.

The “Judges’ Choice” award in the Cook-Off went to Topeka chili cook Rodney Humbert, whose wares could be sampled in front of Uptown Treasures/Desperado’s Western Wear. Humbert received a $50 prize, which he put back into the kitty for the fire department, and five tickets to the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.

Second place in the judges’ category went to the Holton National Bank team of Rebecca Gann, Samantha Mellies and Vanessa Ogden. Third place went to repeat Chili Cook-Off participants Craig and Talon Fox.

In the “People’s Choice” judging, self-proclaimed “Chili Master” Bob Lamberson took home another first-place win, and a one-year subscription to The Holton Recorder, with 30 votes. Second place in the popular vote went to John McGuire of Holton’s New Life Nazarene Church, who received 28 votes for his wares served in front of Lifetime Eye Care.

Rounding out the top five were Carrie Saia of Holton Community Hospital with 17 votes, The Recorder’s Shannon Schmille with 15 votes and Rob Ladner and Craig and Talon Fox, each with 11 votes. Also participating in the Chili Cook-Off were Therron Fox, Jennifer Linton, Ron Cook and Alex Kovalchuk.