A family dynasty is forming on the Minden Chili scene, as Sydney and Karlee Elshout and Sophie Rico, competing as Little Miss Sasquatch Chili, were crowned champions of the Mike’s Hometown Spirits Minden St. Jude Chili Cookoff just one year following their fathers’ team, 2 Mike’s Chili, winning the title.
Out of 26 teams, Little Miss Sasquatch was chosen as the top chili following two rounds of blind judging. Chili’s were judged on red color, aroma, consistency, taste and after-taste.
Finishing in second place was team La Flama Blanca (Alex Collins and Davidson), followed by team Dilly Dilly (Steven and Grayson Williams) in third place. The rest of the top 10 was as follows: Fourth Place, JD’s Clean Krete (JD and Kimberly Cottle); Fifth Place, Meadowview (Brandy Moore); Sixth Place, Chili Dawgs 2 (Michelle Finley and Melissa Griffith); Seventh Place, Pratt Chili (Jarod Brantley and Jonathan Nash; Eighth Place, Team Brock (Nick Cassell and Shawn Deville); Ninth Place, Chili Man Chili Man (Matt Alexander and Eric Brown); Tenth Place, Trucking Chili (Micah Hanson and Noah Woodard).
People’s Choice Chili went to Super Chili Man (Jason Gates and Mark Gloer) and Best in Show was awarded to The Dream Team (Kevin Humphrey and Haley Knotts).
This year’s chili cookout raised $10,288 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.