Chili cook-off brings students and alumni together
The College of Agricultural and Applied Science (CAAS) held its 9th annual chili cook-off on Saturday. For just $3, attendees could enjoy a wide variety of chilis prepared by a host of chefs all hoping to win their chili claim to fame.
“Who doesn’t like chili?” said junior Ian Sroufe, a member of Student Council who helped organize the event.
Contestants in the cook-off could enter into traditional, non-traditional or spicy categories. The most talked about award was the coveted Golden Crockpot, awarded to the department that could make the best chili. The competition is stiff, and each department pours both time and love into their chili in an attempt to win their department glory.
This year’s winner, Michael Pate of the School Applied Sciences, Technology and Education believes that a good chili takes time, the right combination of flavors and letting the chili speak for itself.
“It’s an awesome event; we get to come together as a college and support one of our own,” Pate said.
Every year, the CAAS picks one student who is in need of financial assistance and donates the proceeds of the night’s event to them. CAAS student volunteers come together and spend numerous hours planning to give back to one to their own.
“It’s a tradition, and the money we make here goes to a good cause,” said Robbie Johnson, a senior majoring in animal, dairy and veterinary sciences.
This year, the proceeds went to a student to help pay medical bills associated with heart problems.
This year’s chili cook-off boasted a record number of attendees at 225. The organizers of the event believe this is likely because of an increase in outreach to CAAS alumni who came out in droves to enjoy the night.
“This event is way fun and I’m excited about how many people came this year,” said Courtney Bennet, a senior majoring in animal, dairy and veterinary sciences.
Even with a room packed full of people, the cook-off felt like a great big family dinner as students and alumni alike enjoyed a live country swing band and mouthful after mouthful of deliciously fresh chili.