The 18th Annual Checotah Chili Cook-Off hosted by the Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery was a culinary showdown of steaming hot chili along with American patriotism for fun-filled evening of food and friends bidding against each other for a great fundraising cause. A hungry community showed up as 22 chili competitors showed out with some serious spicy chili and delightful desserts at the First Free Will Baptist Life Center on Saturday, Feb. 28.

This year’s cook-off heated up the friendly competition as it brought in locals, visitors and guests to sample all they could eat chili and bid on some nice auction items.

The bravest of chefs offered a distinguished blind panel of judges some interesting array of chili samples – some sweet, some savory, some spicy and some surprising the judges which included local fire firefighters, business owners and even dignitaries like Rep. Tim Turner that stated he was excited to be able to judge this year.

In the end it was the special seasonings of the reigning champion, Richard Millsap, with his secret recipe that tantalized the taste buds of the judges the most. Millsap took first place in the chili competition with a total 306 points that put a $500 check in his hand at the end of the night. For over six years (only one where he placed second) Millsap’s downhome chili recipe has won over a panel of different judges with no one knowing the final outcome until all five categories are tallied and a winner is announced.

This year it was close with his competitors hot on his trail with 285 points for Jaxon’s Journey (Jaxon Coleman) which put him in second place, winning $250, and 279 points which placed the City of Checotah in third, winning $100. The People’s Choice ($150) was won by Larry Robison with McIntosh County RWD#5 and sponsored by Checotah Perk.

The Table Décor first place of $100 was won by Jeanna Quest who had all sorts of chili décor, jewelry and glasses for their patrons. Second place table décor ($50) went to Kurtis Plant with his patriotic table. The Table Décor winners were sponsored by the Checotah Art Guild.

The Silent Auction sponsored by Combs Ranch brought in lots of miscellaneous goodies to bid on. However, the Live Auction sponsored by Checotah Gun and Pawn was a lot more fun as locals battled it out for an array of items which included: delicious desserts from Imogene Duvall, Karen King and others which pulled in some serious dough, an antique desk snatched up by Robert Jennings, a new shop vac, a turkey fryer, cool metal yard décor and neat art work.

Auctioneer James Burgess from Soggy Bottom Cattle Company also auctioned off a framed 2005 newspaper donated by the McIntosh County Democrat of local Carrie Underwood when she won American Idol 20 years ago. Mayor Daniel Tarkington battle against Councilman Jay Hayes for that little piece of history and finally walked away with a smile on his face and the keepsake newspaper in hand.

Perhaps the most interesting auction item was a beautiful leather-bound book of the Constitution of the United States which brought in an exceptional price with the opportunity of it being sent to Arlington where it will hopefully get a unique signature or two to enhance its value even more. Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Kurtis Pratt not only battled to win this priceless piece of American history, but also served three combat tours overseas and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Sgt. Pratt wrote a heartfelt letter to be sent with the book to the Honorable Markwayne Mullins who was recently appointed as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, in which he explained why the book represented so much more to him as a disabled veteran who served to defend the liberties of generations a of Americans willing to sacrifice all.

He also stated that he is intentionally teaching his children of the importance of patriotism, civic responsibility and gratitude for those who have served and are still serving. And this summer his family will be traveling to Washington, D.C. July 1 – 5 to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary and that they hope to tour the White House and the Capital as part of that experience.

Pratt is the grandson of Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery Secretary Iris Park who couldn’t be more proud.

Checotah Gun & Pawn sponsored the A-15 Rifle Raffle which was won by one lucky man, Wade Evans who was extremely excited when his name was randomly drawn from the hopper.

The adult door prize drawing was won by Jeri Kay Thomason, winning a 2-night stay at Janssen Park Bed & Breakfast, while Lucy Larue won the kid’s door prize, an awesome telescope.

With so many wonderful items to bid on in the live auction and also in a silent auction also held this year, Heartland Heritage Secretary Iris Park stated that the Chili Cook-Off did exceptionally well this year. She also wanted to personally thank all the board members who stepped up to make the event a success.

Heartland Heritage Museum & Gallery board includes: David Prince, chairman Jamie Spindle-Hilbert, vice chair Iris Park, secretary Imogene Duvall, treasurer Jason Combs, member LaDonna Brittle-Rhodes, member Joey Marion, member Tracy Jackson, member Spring Morrow, member Bobbie Bischoff, member “I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who helped with set up, donations, judging, working the tables, kitchen and the auctions,” Park said. “Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers and local leadership who show up year after year. From our State Representatives, our mayor and city council members, rodeo greats Ote Berry, Tommy Combs, McIntosh County Sheriff Kevin Ledbetter, Freedom House ladies, Checotah Art Guild, Jean Gawf, Jerri Holder, Rodney Stover, and anyone else I forgot to mention who helped in any way. This town truly knows how to show their community spirit and it showed at this year’s 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off.”