Chili Cook-off Ends In Clean Sweep

Kory Wright checks out the two awards he won at the first every Mahaska Wellness Coalition Chili Cook Off.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – There was little doubt, Kory Wright from The Brickhouse Cafe was the hands down winner of the best chili at the Mahaska Wellness Coalition Chili Cook Off on Friday night at the Penn Activity Center on the campus of William Penn University.

The Mahaska Wellness Coalition is a group of community members that meet monthly, put on the the event, and award the prizes. Wright won both the ‘Golden Ladle’ and People’s Choice awards at the 1st ever event.

Ann Smith, who is part of the coalition, said the cook off was a way to engage the community and the William Penn students.

“William Penn University is important to Oskaloosa, and this was just a great way to engage them. There were a ton of William Penn students here. It was great”, said Smith.

The City of Oskaloosa, Hy-Vee, Mahaska Health Partnership, along with Mahaska Bottling contributed to the family friendly evening that included a movie on the big screen. “It was a great collaboration with everybody”, said Smith.

Double winner Kory Wright said it was “fantastic” to be honored with both awards in a single night. “It looks like it’s going to have to be chili on Monday at The Brickhouse.”