Aug. 20, 2006 – The chili was defiantly hot at the Texas Society of the Virgin Islands 22nd Annual Chili Cook-Off. But thanks to passing clouds and gentle breezes, the venue was cooler than in previous years.
In fact, nary a complaint was heard about anything from the thousands of people who packed the beach Sunday afternoon at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort to eat Texas-style chili, socialize, dance, and raise money for several of the community's charitable organizations.
Cheryl Miller, owner of Cheryl's Taste of Paradise, who has participated as a cook in previous years, was taking it easy at one of the tables spread around the property. "It takes a tremendous effort to feed people for five hours," Miller said.
But several chili chefs weren't required to feed folks from noon until 5 p.m., when the event usually begins to wind down. By mid-afternoon many booths had completely run out of chili. But that reality in no way dampened the spirit of the event.
Bob Austin, who was one of the judges, said the turnout seemed bigger than ever. A sea of tents, many brightly decorated with a variety of themes — from the Water Island Mermaids to Betsy's Lava Lounge — crept up to the shoreline and stretched from Bolongo Resort on the east to the Watergate complex on the west.
By 4 p.m., Darel McCormick, one of the chefs at the U.S. Coast Guard tent, had almost run out of the two types of chili the Coast Guard was offering. And the group had all but dismantled the decorations on the tent – passing them to the throngs of children in attendance.
The Coast Guard won the competition in 1999, he said, and went on to compete in Terlingua, Texas – where this year's winner will also go.
Two tickets to Terlingua to compete in the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) competition, is the first prize along with a package of other winnings, like resort packages, dinners and merchandise.
Marleen Dykhuis, chairwoman of the judging portion of the event, said $20,000 worth of prizes for all the winners were donated by members of the community.
As this was an election year, naturally candidates abounded. Sen. Lorraine Berry, whose chili came highly recommended by Miller, mixed with constituents as did Sen. Louis P. Hill, among others.
Campaign stickers and posters were everywhere.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen was promoting her husband's chili, even more than herself.
Christian Christensen said he is the chili chef in the family. "She cooks everything else," he said.
According to Christian Christensen, he's been preparing chili for 45 years. He wanted to call this year's entry "Donna's Hot Stuff" but settled for "Donna's Congressional Chili" – a name the delegate said she felt was more appropriate.
The CASI rules apply for the V.I. Chili Cook-off, which are: all chili must be prepared on site the day of the event, starting with raw meat and without using any fillers, such as beans, hominy, rice or macaroni and without using pre-mixes.
Due to popular demand the V.I. CASI pod has instituted a vegetarian competition, but it is for local competition only, though very popular with the local vegetarians.
Sponsors vary from year to year but make the whole event possible. This year's major sponsors included Bolongo Bay; Coors Light and Evian Water, distributed by Bellows International; Ackley Media Group; American Airlines; Fortress Self Storage and Certified Angus Beef.
The charities that will benefit from this year's event are Queen Louise Home for the Aged, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, V.I. Alliance for the Mentally Ill, St. Thomas Rescue, V.I. Institute of Performing Arts and Dial-A-Ride.
This year's winners are:
Showmanship — Grande Division (10 or more people on a team):
First Place: Betsy's Bar, St. Thomas
Second Place: Heidi Ecwig, Water Island
Third Place: U.S. Coast Guard, St. Thomas
Showmanship — Lonestar Division (less than 10 on team)
First Place: Biker John Galeano
Second Place: Old Fart Chili, Eric Ackerson, St. Thomas
Third Place: Dumpster Dog Chili, Georgeann McNicholas, St. Thomas
Vegetarian Chili Category
First Place: Louis Huill, St. Thomas
Second Place: Donald Pomeranz, St. Thomas
Third Place: Dennis "Tex" Murphy, St. Thomas
Regular Chili Category (Meat):
First Place: Grant Aeschliman, St. Thomas
Second Place: Don Pomerantz, St. Thomas
Third Place: Alan Dean, Johnson City, Texas
Fourth Place: John Galeano, St. Thomas
Fifth Place: Dennis "Tex" Murphy, St. Thomas
Sixth Place: Connie Callier, Shyder, Texas
Seventh Place: Susan Dean, Johnson City, Texas
Eighth Place: Georgeann McNicholas, St. Thomas
Ninth Place: Brent Ferrell, St. Thomas
Tenth Place: Karl Sitig, St. Thomas
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