CHILI COOK OFF ADDS SPICY FUN TO UNITY

Leap year event draws officials to compete, enthusiastic local tasters

The perfect blend of spices, meat and beans was put up to a vote Feb. 29 with the first chili cook off put on by the Lorain County Urban League Guild.

County officials even tried their hand at making the best chili.

They passed out samples with a selection of various toppings at the Urban League at 200 Middle Ave. in Elyria.

Jeff Baxter, event chairman and guild secretary, said turnout was strong in the first half hour of the event.

“This is not only the first chili cook off, it’s actually the first even we’ve actually done,” he said.

The guild acts as a fundraiser arm to the Urban League, according to Baxter.

With 16 chefs facing off, attendees were able to taste each of the chilis during the fundraiser and vote on first, second and third place.

Raffles and gift baskets were also available to be purchased and won during the event.

With the theme being unity, Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley said he was happy to visit Elyria for the fundraiser.

"I put every one of my favorite seasonings in here. I love cooking."

— Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield

“The mayor of Elyria and I are building a good relationship and cooperation,” he said, adding that the event brought the community together.

Bradley’s three-bean recipe replaced beef with turkey as the meat ingredient.

“Hopefully, people will like my chili,” he said.

On the opposite side of the room, Elyria Mayor Frank Whitfield sprinkled onions, peppers and a piece of avocado and cornbread on top of each of his chili servings.

“I put every one of my favorite seasonings in here,” he said. “I love cooking.”

Whitfield also said the popularity of the event was telling of the Urban League’s success as an organization.

“This is a testament of the momentum the organization has and the good leadership they have,” he said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.”

Joann Sutton, 64, of Elyria said she was glad to have stopped by and tried some chili.

“I like being able to be together and socialize,” she said.

“I like being able to be together and socialize.” — Joann Sutton

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley, second from left, was one of multiple local officials that entered the chili cook off contest Feb. 29, organized by the guild of Lorain County Urban League in Elyria.

JORDANA JOY — THE MORNING JOURNAL Locals packed into the Lorain County Urban League, 200 Middle Ave. in Elyria, for the first chili cook off Feb. 29, organized by the league’s guild.