Jeff M. Hardison

By Jeff M. Hardison
© 2010

The aroma of different types of chili wafted through the air in the Williston Heritage Park Pavilion just after dark on Dec. 11, 2009, while the temperature dropped to become nippy enough to truly appreciate the dish.

Five judges decided the top three winning recipes for spicy and mild types of chili. People came to the pavilion after the Christmas Parade that Friday evening and enjoyed the 10 different types of chili.

Big pots filled with five spicy types and five mild versions of chili were full of the delectable dish that underwent the taste test. Two new judges joined the contest this year. Twin sons of City Clerk Valerie Anderson – Michael and Geoffrey Anderson – helped Williston Mayor R. Gerald Hethcoat, City Councilor Steve Holcomb and City Councilor Brooks Holloway decide the winners.

The Anderson brothers are best known for their role as track stars at the University of Florida.

Williston City Council President Debra F. Jones, who had judged the previous four years, abstained this year. Instead, she took over the duty of making it happen. Jessica Throckmorton, who had organized it for the previous four years, moved to Jacksonville. Had Jones not stepped in, the Yuletide tradition would have vanished from the easternmost metropolis of Levy County.

Winners of the Fifth Annual Williston Community Redevelopment Agency Chili Cookoff, in the Spicy category were – First, Norma Myers; Second, Alan Harmon; and Third, Tricia Baker. In the Mild category, first through third place respectively went to Earl Ogle, Ryan’s Deli and Adelia Vachon.

Betty Fender and Laura O’Connor of the CRA served samples to the judges. Terry Summers, CRA secretary, tallied the votes.

Judges had to taste two mild recipes again to break a tie for third place. After tasting some of the spicy varieties of chili, judges were breathing fire.

“I had to get me a new spoon,” Holcomb said.

“It’ll clean out your adenoids,” Holloway said. “I’ve led a sheltered life.”

The mayor said last year’s hot chili entries were not as potent as this year’s.

Judges used milk, water, root beer, grape soda and crackers to help them relieve their taste-buds between samples.

Winners received a plaque as well as bragging rights. Jones said the reason the CRA sponsors the chili contest is to help bring people downtown after the parade. Four or five antique stores stayed open that evening, she added.

This article was written by Jeff M. Hardison of Levy County. He is a writer, photographer and editor. Hardison graduated from University of Florida’s College of Journalism with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has earned many awards from the Florida Press Association for his writing and editing. He can be hired to write, edit or take pictures. Contact him at hotcubed2@hotmail.com.