Cloudy skies and scattered showers didn’t keep the crowds away from the 7th Annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off.  It took a village of people to make this event a success and we couldn’t have done it without them!

Welcome to the Winner’s Circle!

This year’s teams brought their A-game to the 7th Annual Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook Off!  Here’s a recap of the winners:

Laurel Country Club ($200 cash prize and Carl Buchanan pottery)

Winner – Southern Hospitality ($1,000 cash prize and chili pot trophy)

Winner – Crossroads Grilling ($1,000 cash prize and chili pepper trophy)

Thank You to…

Special thanks to our event chair, Robby Scruggs, for his work in making this event such a success each year.  Robby, and his wife, Angie, open studio5fifty for Laurel Main Street many times each year.  Their staff is always courteous and helpful and we simply can’t thank them enough!

We also owe a huge thanks to the following:

Laurel Main Street board members – for the countless hours you put into making each endeavor we undertake a successful one.

Chili Cook Off Judges – for selflessly giving of your time and taste buds in the name of chili.

Laurel Fire Department & Laurel Police Department – for keeping our volunteers and attendees safe, for being on call, and for going above and beyond your duties.

The City of Laurel Parks and Recreation Department – for your assistance in preparing the downtown area for the influx of visitors.

Carl and Mandy Buchanan – for the beautiful pottery that we awarded and for the “bottomless” bowls that we look forward adding to our collection each year.

Jim Thornhill – DJ extraordinaire – thank you for keeping the tunes going and making the atmosphere downtown bright and sunny, even during torrential downpours!

Diamond Productions – you guys are top notch!  The video screen and live footage during the chili cook off elevated this event beyond our expectations and we can’t wait to work with you again!

Community Volunteers – for the hours of service you provide selling tickets and t-shirts and all you do to make Laurel Main Street events run smoothly.

Of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Magnolia State Bank.  Not only do they sponsor this event each year, but the bank staff also volunteers countless hours in preparation for the event and on the day of the event as well.  This year, Magnolia State Bank opened their Magnolia Room to host an indoor kids’ zone with educational and creative activities from Magnolia Alley Artist Co-op, Central Creativity, and HAND+made.  We are so grateful for the partnership of Magnolia State Bank!