Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include Chili Cook-off winners.
By Chris Spangler
After a two-year hiatus, the the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties held its Chili Cook-off following Saturday’s Holiday Parade in Fort Atkinson.
The annual event at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building had been canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chili Cook-off took place after the 26th annual Holiday Parade in downtown Fort Atkinson. On average, the event raises approximately $1,500 in support of the United Way campaign, according to its organizers.
In 2019, 18 participants shared samples of their chili with attendees. On Saturday, there were 10.
United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties Executive Director Elizabeth Ellis-Bols said she was pleased with both the number of competitors and attendees, noting that the United Way must rebuild public activities that were halted during the pandemic.
Winners were: High Octane BBQ, first place; Sherman Lyons, second place; and Opportunities Inc., third place.
High Octane BBQ was voted Most Innovative by the three judges, while the public chose Sherman Lyons’ chili for the People’s Choice award.
“It was a perfect evening, with the area’s first snowfall setting the mood,” Ellis-Bols, said of the parade and Chili Cook-off. “The event raised over $1,100 for the 2022 campaign.”
In addition to the chili, which guests could sample with a $5 bowl, the event featured baked goods, hotdogs and snacks; a 50/50 raffle; and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Sponsoring the event were Festival Foods, Jones Market, Fort Community Credit Union and Fort HealthCare.
Those interested in making a donation to the United Way’s local efforts are encouraged to mail a donation to 734 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, or make an online donation at https://uwjnwc.com/get-involved/give/.
Those with questions may contact the United Way office directly at (920) 563-8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com. For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, visit www.volunteermain.com.
According to its website, the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in its communities, by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need.
Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end-of life-care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in the community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.
This story has been updated.
Photos from the event follow.
Miss Whitewater 2022 Jordyn Damhorst, from left, Junior Miss Whitewater Jaylynn Traxler and Little Miss Whitewater Haley Gutierrez sell baked goods and hotdogs at the United Way’s Chili Cook-off Saturday.
Alicia Norris, at left, serves chili from the Badgerland After-School Enrichment (BASE) program booth. The program offers critical after-school care weekdays at all four public elementary schools in Fort Atkinson. BASE also provides a full summer wrap-around program.
Lynn Stock, from right, and her fiancé, Noah Morris, serve chili at the Opportunities, Inc., booth. Stock, who is the head chef at Fort Atkinson High School, cooked the chili.
Bill Blossfeld, at left, ladles his homemade chili into an event-goer’s bowl.
Among the chili chefs with “condiments” available are these contestants, who also had jalapeño cheese cornbread for diners.
A chef serves “New Brunswick Stew.” He described the dish as a different variety of chili that includes smoked brisket and other meats.
A representative of Jones Dairy Farm serves chili. Toppings at the booth included maple bacon bits.
Diners fill the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building gym during the United Way Chili Cook-off. The event was held at the conclusion of the Holiday Parade.
Lily Neuens, Fort Atkinson, chats with Santa and Mrs. Claus before posing for a photo with the Christmas couple. The Clauses were in town for the Holiday Parade.
Manning the St. Vincent De Paul booth, Vicki Kehoe, at left, serves chili to Bob Cheek. Linda McCabe, pictured center, samples chili before the post-parade rush.
Chris Spangler photos.
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