There’s nothing like a Spring Chili Cook-off in the tall pines of Crown King. It was a perfect spring day in Crown King for the annual spring chili cook-off. While things heated up in Phoenix, we were a cool 80 degrees up at the Crown King Saloon. The chili cook-offs are definitely some of the busiest weekends in Crown King. Folks came from all directions to participate in today’s event. Some traveled the 28 mile dirt road from the I-17 Freeway through Bumble Bee and Cleator. Other, more adventurous types, traversed the 34 mile rugged off road trail from Lake Pleasant to Crown King. There were even two guys on mountain bikes who rode up from Kirkland Junction. They spent the night by Minnehaha before completing their trip to Crown King! Of course our Prescott friends traveled the Senator Highway for a more interesting trip. The quad & side by side parking was at a premium today. Thankfully there was room enough for everyone!
The cook-off started at 11:30, with the judges awarding the winners a few hours later. If you participated in the cook-off you drank beer all afternoon for free!! The general public was treated to chili samples and free beer with the price of admission. It is safe to say that everyone had a great time.
This year’s judges were treated to some of the finest chili recipes around. “Sweet Ass 4 Chile Chili” was the judges choice for the Number One chili at this year’s event. Not only did they win $100 cash, they also got to go home with a giant frog statue! “Prospector Chili” won 2nd price in the judging, winning Greg Flores $75 and a statue. 3rd Place winner featured “Swine Not” chili and they went home with $50 and a statue.
Every year the hundreds of chili lovers in attendance will vote for the “People’s Choice”. This year the honor goes to Glenn and Cindy Chamberlin’s “Alien Green Chili”. This is the second time the Chamberlins have won the spring cook-off “People’s Choice” award and won a statue to display at their cabin!
Congratulations to all the winners and participants. Also, thanks to the many workers who helped to make this year’s event better than ever! The General Store served a lot of free fudge samples today! Thanks to all our customers who continue to support our Historic General Store! We plan on being here another 108 years to serve you!!
