Summers County REACHH held its first annual Chili’n on the New chili cook-off on Saturday, Nov. 5. Individuals, businesses and organizations cooked up batches of their unique chili recipes in a contest to see who would garner the most votes from the community. Varieties ranged from extremely spicey to traditional and vegetarian. In addition to the various types of chili to try, multiple vendors set up selling jewelry, clothing, handmade items, art and much more.
Participants included members of the City of Hinton Fire Department, the Summers County ACWP, West Virginia State Troopers with the Summers County detachment, chefs, home cooks and many others.
All of the participants and their recipes were sorted into different categories and classes. Entries were first sorted between professional and amateur cooks. The recipe categories included spicy, traditional and creative. An unconfirmed rumor circulated the Freight Depot that one of the spicy chili entries was so hot that a drink in hand was necessary for even the tiniest taste.
Attendees paid a $5 entry fee after arriving at the Hinton Freight Depot. The entry fee included yellow tickets, which acted as votes for a person’s favorite chili. Once inside, all the chili vendors had tasting cups at the ready. Those in attendance had the opportunity to taste as many types of chili as they wanted. When someone found a chili they particularly enjoyed, they placed one of the yellow tickets inside a jar sitting on the contestant’s table.
The melodic sounds of live music filled the air as participants mingled, shopped and enjoyed all of the delicious chili options. An atmosphere of joviality and enjoyment prevailed. Throughout the day, community members came to support the event and taste some chili.
REACHH is an integral part of the Summers County community. The organization provides much-needed services to the community as a Family Resource Center and a Child Advocacy Center.
From playgroups and swimming classes to food pantries and help finding needed household items, REACHH strives to take of the residents it serves. In addition to providing fun events like Trunk or Treat and Chili’n on the New, REACHH faculty members wade into the metaphorical trenches to fight for the safety of this community’s children and other vulnerable individuals.
In support of the incredible work REACHH does for the county, the citizens showed up and showed out for the organization’s most recent fundraising event. Based on the spectacular response to this event, the community is undoubtedly impatient for the second annual Chili’n on the New.
For information on REACHH’s regular services or to donate, call 304-466-2226, email reachhfrc@suddenlink.com or visit the website at www.reachhfrc.org.
