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St. Mary Chili cook-off

DOUG LOYER Special to the Times Twenty-five different types of chili were served in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption's Chili Cook-Off.

Who doesn’t like a great bowl of chili? Saturday evening offered an opportunity to have several. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Marietta held a chili cook-off fundraiser.

By the time you’ve added in some cornbread, a dessert and drink, you’ve hit the spot on a cool drizzly evening. To top it off, it was for a great cause. The proceeds from the event went to the Basilica’s Adopt-A-Home for Christmas Project. The money will go toward repairing a home for a family in need in their diocese.

Billed as one of the “Hottest Events of the Year,” the Chili Contest was open to all ages and there was no fee to enter. A good crowd on hand enjoyed an evening of wonderful food and conversation for a great cause.

The all you can eat event offered 25 different types of chili to try… anything from sweet and mild to hot and spicy. There was also a 50/50 drawing and a silent pie auction.

“The church is doing mission work to do some repair to a home in our diocese,” stated Robin Cleveland. “This is a fundraiser to buy the supplies that we need for that project.”

“When you pay for your meal, you get a ticket,” explained Cleveland. “After you sample as many types of chili you want, you can vote for your favorite chili.”

“This is a great event. It brings people together,” said Monseigneur Mike Campbell. “It gets people involved and it’s fun. They enjoy making the chili. They work very hard.”

While explaining his chili strategy, David Payne of Marietta disclosed, “I put a sweet type of sausage in my chili. I try not to make it too hot, but it’s got a little kick to it.”

“It’s an easy decision to help other people that are less fortunate,” admitted Suzie Nesmith, a St. Marys parishioner from Parkersburg. “Tonight, I made a southwestern chili. It’s an old recipe from Good Housekeeping.”

Another church member, Jan Sailer, said she also liked the event. Sailer baked a pecan pie for the auction and came to volunteer to work.

Church members Ruth and Kerry Patrick of Parkersburg said they went to Saturday Mass and stayed to enjoy the chili cook-off and were checking out the pies in the silent pie auction. Jan goes for the spicy chili while her husband likes the more traditional style chili.

“They have a lot of choices with the chili,” said Jan. “You want to sample as many as you can.”

As far as the pies, Kerry commented, “We love the apple and there was one with fresh strawberries. Also, Father Tom made a pecan pie.”

“I don’t make pies too often, but I love to bake,” admitted Father Tom Nelson. “I was asked to make one and I was glad to do it.”

Father Tom went on to say the cook-off had a great turnout. Everyone had a great meal and the evening was very successful.

“All of the chilis were good. I liked them all,” confessed John Trautner of Marietta. “I usually like my chili spicy, sweet and hot.”

“It’s a great evening and a great fundraiser. It’s nice,” said Trautner. “This is my first time here and I’ll be back.”

As far as bragging rights for the Chili Cook-Off, first place went to Kona Huck, second place went to Brian and Amber Newlon and third place went to Terese Waterman.

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