by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“The Great Planning Dept. Annual Chili Cookoff” drew a record number of entries this year. Nine chefs contributed their finest concoctions to raise money for the United Way and to compete for bragging rights that will endure until next Halloween. Guests donated $5 to sample the chilis and then voted for their favorite.
It’s also an opportunity for a costume parade that this year included Chief of Community Planning Margo “Bunch of Grapes” Moehring, who also contributed a Crock Pot full of her own special recipe.
After all the ballots were tabulated, the winning chili – for the second year in a row – was entered by City Planner Supervisor Bob Riley, who prepared his “Mama’s Hand-me-down” recipe.
The event raised more than $400 toward the department’s contribution to the United Way campaign.