They’re hot stuff in the ‘Burg

WALSENBURG — The big winners in the Fox Theatre Walsenburg’s Second Annual Chili Cook-Off and Super Bowl Game Watch Party were, left to right: Erin McRad, Aaron Vasholz, and CJ Montoya. Photo by Conor Orr The big winners in the Fox Theatre Walsenburg’s Second Annual Chili Cook-Off and Super Bowl Game Watch Party were, left to right: Erin McRad, Aaron Vasholz, and CJ Montoya. Photo by Conor Orr by Conor Orr WALSENBURG —Life in the Southwest Rockies is wonderful for many reasons. Perched at the intersection of tall mountains, mighty mesas, and rolling plains, this area has long been characterized by a rich blend of cultures and a rich blend of spices.

Among the many reasons to make your home here, there is the proud and excellent tradition of making chili so good that it’ll knock your socks off – and burn your tastebuds too. On Sunday, Feb. 2, the Fox Theatre in Walsenburg hosted the Second Annual Chili Cook-Off and Super Bowl Game Watch Party! The event is hosted each year by the masterminds behind the Fox as a part of their multi-branched fundraising campaign, but it also demonstrates their passion for community engagement and the pride they have for our home.

Tickets were cheap: $10 bought access to a wide variety of red and green chilis, hot dogs, and side dishes as well as three voting tickets. The awards ceremony began at half-time, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places being announced in three categories: Red, Green, and Side Dish/Dip. Erin McRad took third place in the Side/Dip category, José Romero took third place for his green chili, and Maria Platt took it for her red. The second place winners were Christopher Bechaver for his side, Arleigh Bailey for her green chili, and Ann Caffey for her red.

This year’s first place winners were Erin McRad with another wonderful side dish, CJ Montoya, entering the competition for the first time with his fabulous green chili, and Aaron Vasholz with some mouth-watering red chili. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!