A rainy day couldn’t put a damper on this year’s 19th Annual Chili Cookoff. The Rotary Club of The Villages’ big event played host to thousands at Lake Sumter Landing, where Arnett Engineering was crowned the big winners of the event.

This year’s “Philanthropic award: (aka the “People’s Choice Award”)  was once again awarded to The Villages Parrot Heads. The Village Parrot Heads won the award last year and collected more than $600 in donations this year.

Jim Hull and Sue Schoening accept the trophy for Peoples' Choice Award for raising $661.72 for the Rotary Club.
Sue Schoening and Jim Hull accept the trophy for Peoples’ Choice Award for raising $661.72 for the Rotary Club.

Here’s a complete list of this year’s awards and winners. Did you attend the event? Leave us your comments and let us know how it was!

Best Chili Award

1st Place – Arnett Environmental

2nd Place – Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

3rd Place – The Villages Tech Solutions Group

Honorable Mentions – Rotary Club of The Villages (Evening), Properties of The Villages (Team 2), Fortin Construction

Best Booth prize went to Southern Trace Chiropractic and Massage, represented at the contest by Stacey Wilkerson, Ashley Hamilton, Debbie Devican, and Jessica Kosa, who seemed thrilled with their win.
Best Booth prize went to Southern Trace Chiropractic and Massage, represented at the contest by Stacey Wilkerson, Ashley Hamilton, Debbie Devican, and Jessica Kosa, who seemed thrilled with their win.

Best Booth Award 

1st Place – Southern Trace Chiropractic

2nd Place – Doc’s Restorations

3rd Place – Take Stock in Children

Sheriff Bll Farmer and Capt. Chris Haworth of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Bll Farmer and Capt. Chris Haworth of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Public Safety Trophy

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office

Military Chili Award

Marine Corps League

Rotary Club Chili Award

Rotary Club of The Villages (Evening)

Best Restaurant Chili Award

Waterfront Inn – Amelia’s

The Chili Cook Off began in 1998 and soon became an annual event held the first Saturday of February each year. The first Cook Off had just 12 teams competing. This year had over 50 competitors and was held in conjunction with a Home & Garden show featuring over 100 vendors.

The Col. Phillip C. Delong Detachment 126, Marine Corps League won top honors for best military booth.
The Col. Phillip C. Delong Detachment 126, Marine Corps League won top honors for best military booth.
Bob and Laura Szaja of the Village of La Belle stayed dry while sampling chili.
Bob and Laura Szaja of the Village of La Belle stayed dry while sampling chili.