Sunshine Regional Chili Cookoff Results for 2006

NEWS RELEASE FROM THE KISSIMMEE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

January 17, 2006

KISSIMMEE’S “SUNSHINE REGIONAL CHILI COOKOFF” WAS A HOT AND SPICY TREAT FOR EVERYONE!!

Kissimmee, Fl. – The 10^th Annual Kissimmee Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-off was definitely a spicy treat for all who attended and participated in this past Saturday’s cook-off held in Lakefront Park. Over 30 competitors from around the United States showcased their best chili. Competitors from New Jersey, Louisiana, Las Vegas, Connecticut, and from areas around Florida such as Naples, Lakeland, Mims, Davenport, Orlando and Kissimmee competed for over $2,000 in cash and prizes.

      Scott Sprouse of Orlando, Florida went home with the first place prize of $1,000, a trophy and (2) round trip tickets to the World Finals this fall.

      The Kissimmee Cook-off had over 30 judges tasting the chili! The 2^nd place winner was David Lorenz of Marlton, New Jersey winning $350 and a trophy, followed by 3^rd place winner, Kathy Freedman, of Enfield, Connecticut - who walked away with $150 and a trophy. Beth Bell of Clearwater, Florida finished in 4^th place with $100 and a trophy and Pete Edwards of Kissimmee, Florida walked away with $75 and a trophy for 5^th place. Finishing out the top six was Domino Ireland, of Jensen Beach, Florida. He took home $50 and a trophy this year.

      This was the 5^th year for the Salsa and Chile Verde competitions which continue to grow more every year. Here are the following winners for each contest; Randy Gilchrist of Mims, Florida took home the first place prize of $100, a trophy for Best Salsa and an invitation to the World Finals. Jim McDermott of Lady Lake, Florida, won 2^nd Place for the Salsa competition and he walked away with a trophy. Ron Dahlgren, of The Villages, Florida, took home a trophy for his 3^rd Place finish in the Salsa competition.

      For the Chili Verde competition Marilyn Frederick, of Largo, Florida, took home $250, a trophy for 1^st Place and an invitation to the World Finals; 2^nd Place went to Ron Dahlgren of The Villages, who took home $100 and a trophy; Larry Weltikol, of Las Vegas, Nevada, went home with a trophy and $50 for his 3^rd Place finish in the Chili Verde competition. 

      The Best Booth Competition was not held this year due to the windy weather causing challenges for our competitors’ booths.

      This was the 6^th year Kissimmee has hosted a Regional Cook-off. “The prize money at this event is some of the best around and it will continue to grow as we find more ways to enhance the Chili Cook-off,” says Stacie Miller, Special Events Coordinator for Kissimmee’s Parks and Recreation Department. So put it on your calendar,

      January 13, 2007, will be next year’s “Kissimmee Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-off.”

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For more information, contact Stacie Miller or Brandi Nice, Parks and Recreation Department at

407-847-2388. Or Visit the City of Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Web Site