It was a full house for the Quitman Pilot Club 2023 Chili Cook-Off Friday evening at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman. The event is known for a fun time but is also one of the main fundraisers for Pilot service projects. 

There were 23 chili chefs to feed the crowds steaming bowls of delicious chili. Chili judges Willie Ingram, Brad von Reyn and Kevin White had the difficult task of picking the best of the best in a blind taste test. Trophy winners were first place, Rockin S&S Grill; second place, UT Health Quitman; and third place, Pott’s Feed Store Quitman.

While chili is the star of the show, participants also vie for two other main awards. Best Overall Showmanship, earned by booth decorations and liveliness. Elizabeth Clement, Karen Lott and Dawn McCampbell judged. Trophy winners were first place, Wood County Electric Cooperative; second place, Quitman- Lake Fork Kiwanis; and third place, Southern Sunrise Nutrition. Trophy winners for Peoples’ Choice, earned by raising the most tips from their fans, were first place, Kiwanis; second, First United Methodist Church Quitman; and third, Links at Land’s End.

The 2023 Grand Marshal, selected for his dedication to the community, was Tom Keenan. In presenting this award, Pilot Club President Susan Ukleja said, “He is a true friend of the Pilot Club and has supported us in many ways, but more importantly he has been a friend and supporter of all of Wood County. He is a tireless advocate for the county and has served on many boards and planning committees.”

Keenan had the privilege of giving his own award to one deserving booth, and he chose to honor Pott’s Feed Quitman.

A spirited event was the dessert auction, held by Patricia Hightower and Wood County Precinct 4 Commissioner and auctioneer Russell Acker. With Acker working the crowd, there was lively bidding on luscious desserts.

Adding to the evening, Dale “The C” Cummings provided the musical entertainment, and he had the crowd dancing and singing along. And the evening would not have been complete without the teen service group, Quitman Anchor Club, working hard behind the scenes to help the event run smoothly.

Chairwoman Paige Eaton said, “The community support we received was outstanding in every way. This year the revenue was right at $14,000. The sponsors, chili cooks and all those that came out to sample some chili have our highest gratitude. The money raised will be used well. We offer sincere thanks to all for helping us reach our goal, for making the event a memorable and fun time, and for the strong backing that enables us to perform our community work.”

All funds raised will support the non-profit, all-volunteer Quitman Pilot Club mission of providing education for the prevention of traumatic brain injury and offering services to those suffering from brain related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, stroke and autism. Bicycle safety, Project LifeSaver and Special Olympics are a few of those efforts so important to the health, safety and quality of life for community members.