Dozens of people stopped by the Pembroke Senior Citizens Center Saturday to sample the cuisine that pitted neighbor against neighbor in a friendly chili cook-off competition.
The North Bryan Chamber of Commerce sponsored the sixth annual Chili Cook-off event that saw 10 entrants vying for the best chili of the day.
After the smoke settled, the Pembroke Advanced Communications team took top honors and was awarded a ribbon and a prize of $100.
In a double move, The PAC team also garnered the People’s Choice award for tastiest chili of the day, which they dubbed, “Pretty Awesome Chili.”
“This is a great community event. It brings people out to visit and they get a chance to taste some great chili,” said official greeter and Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell.
The mayor said it is a good time of the year for the event with not many other events scheduled for the early spring.
“It’s good to see so many people out here today. It goes to show what a great community we have,” Warnell said.
One entrant, Dina McKain, agreed.
“I love it here. Pembroke really has it going on. There is a real feeling of community here,” the Fort Stewart public affairs community relations chief said.
For their part, at least one member of the PAC winning team was surprised when told her team took top honors.
“We were shocked when we found out we won. But we love chili,” Shalah Beckworth said.
Taking second place and a $75 cash prize was Janice Palmer, a look-a-like Marilyn Monroe for the day, who dubbed her chili, “Some Like It Hot.”
Third place bragging rights went to Jim Pollet and his “Best Darn Chili.”
Tom Miller, who was passing through Pembroke on his way to Claxton, said it was the best lunch he’d had in a while.
Warnell said community gatherings like this happen often during the year. The next one, she said, is the coming community Easter Egg Hunt on April 19.