Mike Kovack, the Medina County Auditor, held the Great Medina County Chili Cook Off recently, the 25th time the event has been staged.
The cook-off is a fundraiser for local charities and drew ten groups who
competed to show off their chili and win money for their cause,
according to an article on Cleveland.com. It's also a great way to warm
up in the middle of winter.
The winners were chosen by popular vote, cast by about 200 people who attended. They got to sample chili, bid in a silent auction, and enjoy desserts made by auditor's office employees. Banner printing makes great decorations for venues holding such events.
The first-place prize of $1,000 went to Brian Ousley, a representative on the Brunswick City Council, for his smoky, sweet chili. The money will go to the Brunswick Summer Celebration, the county's second-largest festival. Ousley describes the event as “the county fair minus the animals.” It's coming up June 19-23.
The Medina City Teachers Association took second this year, down from their first-place win in 2018. They will receive $500, which will go to fund a scholarship. They made buffalo chicken chili using chicken broth, pasture-raised chicken, cream cheese, and spices.
Sam Livingston, with the Marathon Real Estate Group, took third, and will use the money to help Feeding Medina County. He prepared traditional chili with beef brisket, beans, and tomatoes.