With chili, cowboy hats, cowboy boots and county music by Trailer Trash With an Ocean View, there was a little bit of Texas on the beach at Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort on St. Croix. Several hundred people had a taste of Texas Sunday at the United Way of St. Croix 11th annual Chili Cook-Off.
It appeared all the bikers on St. Croix took the scenic ride along the South Shore and gathered at the cook-off for hot chili and ice cold drinks. South Shore Road close to Divi was lined with parked cars and the lot at the Casino was full.
There were 21 entrants and teams set up under colored tents loaned by the Department of Agriculture. All the judged chili had to be cooked on the beach and ingredients were inspected before cooking. Chili was prepared with beef, turkey, pork, chicken, fish and vegetables.
The chili served in plastic shooter-sized cups at 50 cents each ranged in degrees of heat from mild to fiery.
Frances Gaskin said she sampled five different kinds from mild to medium hot and they were all tasty. “I like the chunky meaty chili, not the thin saucy kind,” Gaskin said. “The sides of chips and cornbread that some had was a good addition.”
Susan Anderson, a first place winner from the past, said the accoutrements they served like her roasted garlic cloves, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, chips and cheese are the extra touch that people enjoy. She said her team gets together and does the cook-off for fun and a good time so that’s why they are called Good Time Chili.
Robin Becker, first place winner last year, from the Dragon’s Breath and Dragon Keeper’s Team, also said the cook-off is a lot of fun and a great way to give back to the community. “It is a great way to support all of the organizations under the umbrella of the United Way,” Becker said. The team tent drew attention because there was a large whimsical bright green paper mache dragon mascot out front. They say their chili is feisty, fiery and full of flavor.
Brielle Thompson, a local resident attending for the first time, said the cook-off was a nice family event that was affordable with free entertainment.
“It was a nice Sunday cool out with some hot chili,” Thompson said.
Prizes were awarded to the top 10 chili cooks and top three vegetarian chili cooks; and prizes for showmanship were also awarded to three teams. One winner will be sent to represent St. Croix at the national cook-off in Terlingua, Texas, with airfare, RV rental and entrance fee included.
Micheal Justis, Deanna Brown and Band; Prodigy Block Band; Dick’s Garage Band and Ki Ki and the Flaming Gypsies and DJ Quick entertained the crowd until around 9 p.m.
Hot dogs, chicken, and drinks were also available for purchase and the Divi bar and grill were open.
Anita Davila, CEO of United Way, said the United Way of St. Croix has established a track record with its two signature events and have maintained many sponsors. She added it has been difficult for the United Way in these tough economic times because they have lost some great corporate donors.
“We are very grateful for everyone in the community who has donated to the United Way,” Davila said. “Every little bit helps, even the volunteers are giving. The Crucians say one by one makes the basket full.”
United Way funds six local human services agencies, including Bethlehem House, Catholic Charities, Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Legal Services and Interfaith Coalition.
Major sponsors for the cookoff were: Coors Light distributed by Bellows International; Divi Carina Bay Resort; Certified Angus Beef Brand, distributed by Merchant Market; Diageo USVI; JKC Communications; Executive Insurance Service; Cruzan Rum; WSVI-TV Channel 8 ABC and 107.9 FM Da Vybe.
