Melinda Waldrop //November 5, 2018//
As days get shorter and leaves more colorful, fall festivals continue throughout Columbia. The 31st annual Five Points Chili Cook-Off was held Nov. 3, with thousands of people and a few of their four-legged friends turning out to enjoy yummy samples and great weather.
The Five Points Associaton said in email that more than 20 chilis were sampled by festival-goers and a panel of judges, from spicy Texas styles to vegan varieties. Best overall chili honors went to Sugar Shack, while Mr. Friendly's won the bar/restaurant category.
Money raised at the festival will go to Columbia youth charities Happy Wheels and Venture Crew. Happy Wheels supplies hospitalized children with new books and toys, while Venture Crew 312 is an outdoor-oriented group focused on developing leadership skills.
A complete list of winners:
Best overall: First place: Sugar Shack; second place: T. Primal Gourmet/Bottles Beverage Super Store; third place: Jeff's Texas Tornado
Best nontraditional: Moffat's Favorite Downhome Deer Chili
Best Texas Style: Wolfe & Taylor's Shut the Front Door
Best Vegetarian: Hendrix
Best Bar/Restaurant: Mr. Friendly's
Best Setup: Columbia Firefighters Jobtown South
Taneyhill's Group Therapy Silver Spoon award: Columbia Firefighters Jobtown South
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