Chili cook-off gets donations for American Red Cross

People sacrificed a little heartburn to show they have a big heart as well.
The first annual Kinston Chili-Fest competition was held at the Vernon Park Mall.
Contestants prepared their best tasting chili and presented it with style as mall shoppers sampled the chili recipes for a five dollar donation.
Storm Team 9 chief meteorologist David Sawyer served as one of the judges and says each of the entrees were delicious and quite spicy.
Here is a list of today’s winners with the different categories:

Restaurant Category:
First Place: Smokey’s
Second Place:  Bojangles
Third Place: El Azteca

Business Category:
First Place: Civitans
Second Place: Guardian ad Litem
Third Place: Mockingbird Books

Community Category:
First Place: Renee Locklear
Second Place: Jon Hoffman
Third Place:  David Richie and Billy Huggins

Best All-Around: Renee Locklear

Hottest: The Kinston Free Press/Sue Smith

Best Presentation: Squirrel Hut Chuckwagon

People’s Choice: Guardian ad Litem/Colleen Kosinski

The proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit American Veterans (AmVets) and the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services.