- December 23, 2024
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The Flagler Woman’s Club presented its Guns and Hoses Chili Challenge in Veterans Park on Jan. 28. Flagler County police and fire departments participated in the challenge.
“It’s perfect weather for the chili cook-off — I guess Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney ordered it from Amazon Prime,” Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson joked.
The Flagler Beach Fire Department, Flagler Beach Police Department, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, FCSO K9 Unit, Flagler County Fire Department, Bunnell Police Department provided their own pots of chili to be tasted, as did Flagler Woman’s Club member Linda McCann, a retired domestic violence EMT.
“We have not had a chili challenge since COVID, so we’re super excited today,” said Deborah Phillips, Flagler Beach city commissioner and board member of the Flagler Woman’s Club.
Winners of the challenge were determined through a fan favorite vote, as well as a judge’s choice category.
The judges were Flagler Beach Mayor Suzie Johnston; Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin; Beach Belly Bob’s Sandwich Shop owner Bob Gamblain; Crave’s Coastal Kitchen and Cocktails restaurant owner Mike Crave; and Paul Chestnut, the co-owner of Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar and Crave’s Coastal Kitchen and Cocktails.
Judges participated in a blind taste test and voted on their favorite cups of chili. The fan favorite vote consisted of those who purchased a $10 wristband. They were provided with cups of chili at each station.
After tasting each chili, they were asked to write their favorite on a piece of paper that was then placed in a jar.
“It’s our way to celebrate men and women that are first responders, because they come to our rescue when our life goes sideways,” said Mary Louk, co-second vice president of the Flagler Woman’s Club and board member of Flagler Strong.