Nearly 80 neighbors and friends gathered at Kathy and Charlie Wilmer’s home for the Third Annual Keim-Cavalier Chili Cookoff on March 21.

    The U-shaped cul-de-sac just west of Madison Rose Lane School has been the site of the chili cook off since 2007, pitting neighbor against neighbor in a friendly, but competitive culinary smackdown.

    This year, Steve Haws killed the competition with his “unbelievable” green chili. Haws took home the coveted chili pepper trophy, handmade of stainless steel and copper by architectural metals welder, Steve Fandrey.

 

Second place went to Dale Van Dusen and third place was a tie between Melanie Kubiak and 9-year-old Ally Mason. “I had to go to three different stores just to get the spices for her chili,” said Robin Mason, Ally’s mom.

    Green chili has been a favorite among the voters since the competition started, earning first and second place this year. However, despite 2008 chili champ Charlie Wilmer repeating his winning green chili recipe, he failed to make it in the top three.

    The Keim-Cavalier Chili Cookoff started off as humble competition in 2007 among a few neighbors in this close-knit community. Each year has brought more complex chili recipes and a larger crowd. Chili cook off organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout next year and may even consider starting a “Miss Chili Cookoff” competition.