4th Annual Chili Cook-off Crowns New Champ!

Winning for best costume was "Pirates of the chili bean"

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Secret recipes aren’t only for the colonel, and some local chili talent went head-to-head in the 4th Annual Chili Cook-off.

Entries from several local businesses and individuals made up the 9 entries for this years contest, in an attempt to unseat the long time champ Kevin Lowry.

So with spoons in hand, the 9 judges got down to the task of choosing the one overall winner.

Winning 3rd place this year was “Chili on a stick at the State Fair” made by the Spirit Café.

The winner of this years chili cook-off was Oskaloosa Police Officer Brian Rainey

Second place this year went to the High School Special Education/BD with their “Jail House Chili”.

And with the tension as nearly thick as the chili, this years winner went to… the entry from the Oskaloosa PD and their Officer Brian Rainey.

Best costume went to “Pirates of the chili bean”, and best table to ‘Hula beanies”.

Rainey said it felt pretty good to be crowned the champ. He had taken part in the previous years, but came to the contest with an all new flavor. “I’ve been at it since about 8:30 this morning.” This was his own personal creation, “I don’t believe in recipes, I just start cooking until it tastes good.”

All funds raised go to help the Oskaloosa Education Foundation.