HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – People from around the community put their culinary skills to the test during this year’s MAC Annual Chili Cook-off, with around a dozen teams setting up in Founders Square to spend the afternoon perfecting their recipes. At the end of the day, the Christian County Judge Executive/Christian County Sheriff’s Office team took the grand prize.

Hosted for over 30 years by the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, executive director Shannon Lane said this event is a way to invite in soldiers and families from Fort Campbell along with Hopkinsville residents to introduce them to community partners and organizations in the city who participate in the cookoff.

“These are all organizations that represent our community,” said Lane. Participants this year included the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Hopkinsville Fire Department, Hopkinsville Community College, Hopkinsville Knights of Columbus, government officials and more.

Teams spent hours preparing large quantities of chili all afternoon, enjoying the fall weather while relaxing and stirring their pots. A cornbread challenge was also held with Visit Hopkinsville, where teams could submit their best recipes ahead of the chili competition.

“Especially in the south I think food is just something that brings people together,” said Susan Dickinson with Fortera Credit Union. This year she participated alongside coworkers as both a sponsor and competitor with their green chicken chili entry.

At 4 p.m., the community was welcomed in when cooking had concluded, with the opportunity to walk around and taste each entry while engaging with the MAC. After a long day, the winners were awarded with each winning team donating their prize money to various local causes.

  • Crowd favorite: Christian County Judge Executive/Christian County Sheriff’s Office
  • Third place: Hopkinsville Fire Department
  • Second place: Walmart Distribution Center
  • First place: Edward Jones Financial Advisors
  • Grand prize: Christian County Judge Executive/Christian County Sheriff’s Office

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