ANNUAL FESTS DREW A CROWD.
On Saturday, January 25, the annual Plant City ChiliFest and RailFest took place at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Sponsored by the Arts Council of Plant City and the Railroad Museum, for $5 people could get a ticket to vote, a bottled water, and a bowl and spoon to sample 23 options. The chefs’ creativity cooked up duck confit chili, one made from elk and bison, and one infused with Dr. Pepper, among others. Some chefs offered shredded cheese, onions, and sour cream additions.
“The turnout of people was wonderful,” Tammy Surratt commented. “I truly enjoyed seeing the community come out and support the Arts Council. I was also impressed with the number of delicious chili entries there were. It was difficult for me to pick one to get my vote as the best.”
The competitors paid an entrance fee of $30, and more than 1,000 people bought bowls. The proceeds go toward Arts Council initiatives including $600 dollars to performing arts programs in each of the Plant City high schools, and bringing the J. Seward sculptures to town. The Arts Council also gives four annual $1000 scholarships to seniors from these local high schools who are continuing their educations and careers in literary, visual, performing, or culinary arts.
Each winner earned a trophy and a cash prize.
MILD
1st Place –
Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures
2nd Place – South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation
SPICY
1st Place – Mozart Construction
2nd Place – Boy Scouts of America Troop 734
NOVELTY
1ST Place –
Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures
2nd Place – Brent’s BBQ
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Drawdy’s Dance School
“What we are doing is supporting the Arts Council of Plant City. This is a community of artists that does a wonderful outreach into the community,” Karen Tinsley said while ladling out a healthy, yet delicious, white turkey chili. “It was a chilly day—good for chili! We wanted to encourage people to come out to the railroad depot and see all of the wonderful things Plant City has to offer the community.”
On the City’s portable stage, a Chris Welbon Karate student demonstration, and Drawdy’s Dance theater student performances entertained the crowd. Also, Plant City Police Department and Fire Rescue brought trucks on site for residents and children to tour. Kids played on two bounce houses and took free rides on a parking lot train courtesy of the Railroad Museum.
“My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Railfest and Chili Cook-Off,” Jerilyn Rumbarger, Interim President and CEO of the Plant City Chamber said. “It’s truly rewarding to see the community unite in support of local non-profits. Spotting so many familiar faces in aprons serving up tasty chili made our downtown experience even better. I really appreciate events held in downtown, as they inspire people to explore our historic district and show support for the local businesses that contribute to our vibrant community.”
