The First Annual Samaritan House Chili Cook Off

On Saturday November 12th, The Samaritan House of Orangeburg County, Inc. held their First Annual Chili Cook Off at the Downtown Market Pavilion. It was a successful fundraising event with 19 local chili vendors and many in attendance. The chili vendors offered many types of delicious chili, various heat levels of spiciness and exciting displays. The crowd had fun tasting all the various flavors! The Rotary Clubs of Orangeburg sold hot dogs and corn bread, Randolph’s featured their infamous Italian ice.

The spectators enjoyed listening to music by Randy Etters and Friends Jam band. The children participated in face painting by Mary Catherine Edmonds and playing corn hole. The college football games were displayed on a big screen tv.

The judges were: Chef Whittaker Williams, Trina Murphy from Chick Fil A, Attorney, David Williams and Haley Gulley from New Country 105.3 The Cat. They enjoyed sampling 19 types of chili!

The winners were: People’s Choice-Kelvin Bonnette, Best Traditional-Buck Ridge Plantation, Chef Evan Johnson, Best Non Traditional-The Chili Cookers, Allison and Rayce Penick and Tracey Kearse, Best Overall Display-Public Safety Team, “We Three Pigs”, Judy Jones, Danny Brightwell, Eric Free, Brian Haynes.

Prizes included trophies, gift cards from House of Pizza, Chestnut Grill, Chick Fil A and a $200 cash prize !