Darrell Todd Maurina
Posted: Saturday, January 24, 2009 11:18 am

ST. ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 24, 2009) — Those who want to eat chili while supporting the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce can come to today’s Polar Meltdown Chili Cook-off at the St. Robert Community Center.

The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. and features five different chili recipes produced by representatives of the cities of Waynesville and St. Robert, Citizens’ Mortgage, Ehrhardt Properties, and Waynesville Life Care Center. The $10 admission charge supports the Chamber of Commerce and entitles visitors to cast a vote for what they believe is the best-tasting chili. Reduced prices of $5 apply for children ages 5 to 12; children under 5 are admitted free of charge.

The chili cookoff idea came from Twyla Cordry of Citzens’ Mortgage, according to chamber executive director Cecilia Murray. Last year’s winner was a turkey chili called “Fowl Play” submitted by Cordry and her family.

“We have five great teams that are serving us unique chilis,” said Cecilia Murray, executive director of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce.

“We will have the turkey chili from what I understand; the others ones are a surprise. We’ll find out!” Murray said.

Participants can compete for several different awards ranging from taste to showmanship. A professional chef, John Dye, the Waynesville Technical Academy culinary arts instructor who also does extensive catering in the community, will be on hand to judge the different chili recipes. Donation canisters will be next to each chili booth for a “people’s choice” award in which the chili receiving the highest dollar amount wins. Other judges include Fort Leonard Wood’s non-commissioned officer of the quarter.

Other awards are also important, Murray said; the best-decorated booth with a theme for the chili will receive a “showmanship award.”

Last year’s showmanship award went to the city of St. Robert with a construction-themed booth, followed by Citizen’s Mortgage with its “Fowl Play” theme booth for its turkey chili entry and third place going to the city of Waynesville with a theme of the city’s history. Last year’s grand champion chili recipe was Fowl Play.

“For someone to come out and eat for lunch, it’s pretty cheap, and they can try as many chilis as they like,” Murray said.

“We raised about $1,200 last year,” Murray said. “We didn’t have the amount of people we’d like to see this year, so we’re expecting a great turnout.”

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