On Saturday, February 10, 2018, Downtown Laurel will once again welcome over 3,000 hungry customers and 27 competition teams with their top secret chili recipes. The annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off is one of Laurel Main Street’s most popular events each year. 

At 6:00 a.m. the teams will begin setting up and decorating their booths along Central Avenue.  Teams are given two hours to set up and decorate before the real work begins.  Come early to watch the teams chop and dice their way to victory! All of the teams will prepare their recipes from scratch as attendees look on, mouths watering with anticipation. The event officially begins at 10:00 a.m. 

For just $10, you can enjoy an “all-you-can-eat” bowl.  For $25, enjoy a “bottomless” Carl Buchanan keepsake pottery bowl.  Be sure to eat breakfast before you come though; no chili can be served until the judging begins at 11:00 a.m.

Our expert panel of judges will taste each entry and decide who wins the $1,000 prize in each category.  Who are these experts you ask?

Meet the Judges

Kerri Hinton enjoys catering weddings throughout the south with Special Events Catering Service.  Her favorite way to show love to friends and family is with a gift of home cooked food.  Kerri is married to James Hinton and has two daughters, Valerie and Jamie.  She is expecting her first grandson in April!  Kerri is a member of First Baptist Church of Laurel where she volunteers with the Hospitality Committee and belongs to The Joy Sunday School Class.  She is a graduate of Leakesville High School, JCJC and Mississippi College of Beauty Culture, and is currently a hairdresser at The Nail and Hair Gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

Kris Mangum has been employed with Magnolia State Bank since 2009, and served as the President at the Petal location until 2016 when he was named CEO. Kris, a member of the Magnolia State Bank Board of Directors, graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1996 with a BS in Public Administration. At Ole Miss he received All Southeastern Conference and All American honors in the sport of Football. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 1997, where he had a successful 10 year career.

 

 

 

 

 

Akeem Davis is a Defensive Back in the NFL.  Akeem was born and raised in Laurel, MS.  He lead Laurel High School to the state title his senior season at QB.  The following year, he attended JCJC before transferring to University of Memphis.  Akee, was the star of the hit NFL Network show, Undrafted.  In 2014, he signed with the Washington Redskins, and played his rookie season in Washington, DC.  Akeem has also played for the Bucs, Saints, Seahawks, Colts, Chiefs, and Jaguars.  He is also the founder of the AD47 Football Leadership Academy, a free, one-day, football skills camp dedicated to promoting leadership, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

Akeem and his wife, Sierra, are the proud parents to a daughter, Carsyn, and a son, CJ.

 

 

 

Mimmo Rendina is originally from Salerno, Italy.   He is the chef and owner of Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria with his wife, Jeannie.  Mimmo attended the Culinary School of Florence before moving to the U.S.  He has worked as chef at Tuscany Italian Bistro in Destin, FL and Mimmo’s Pizza in Destin before opening Mimmo’s Ristorante Pizzeria in Quitman.  He opened his Laurel restaurant in November 2017.  Mimmo and his wife, Jeannie, are parents to Elijah and Grayson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Activities

Each year, at the end of the event, we raffle a 10 gallon cast iron Bayou Classic Jambalaya pot and tripod stand — a $325 value! Tickets for the raffle are $10 for 1 or $20 for 3 and can be purchased from any LMS member or at the event.

Kids Activities

Central Creativity, HAND+made, and Magnolia Alley Artist Co-op will be in the Magnolia Room at Magnolia State Bank from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. providing fun and education activities for kids of all ages!

Thank you to our incredible Sponsors and Producers!

Events like the Chili Cook Off just wouldn’t be possible without the support and backing of local businesses. These sponsorships help pay for the prizes, supplies and more! Their donations also help fund the Laurel Main Street Facade & Amenities grant and are directly responsible for the improvements you see in Downtown Laurel.

Our Signature Sponsor

The Chili Cook Off’s signature sponsor is Magnolia State Bank. We are so thankful for the financial support and helping hands they provide every year to make this event a successful one.

Hot Sponsors

Spicy Sponsors

Carl & Mandy Buchanan, Community Bank, Mississippi Power, B Clean LLC, Mike Axton and Southern Beverage Company

Our Producers

Event producers provide in-kind support of the event by providing products, services or advertising to make the event a reality. Thank you to WBBN B95 Country, iHeart Radio and SL100, WDAM, and Studio5Fifty for helping to organize the event and to Central Creativity, HAND+made, and Magnolia Alley Artist Co-op for providing the children’s activities.

Join us February 10, 2018 in Downtown Laurel for the 7th Annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off!