More than 70 people crowded into the backyard of 35 Brown Ave. yesterday for the That's What's Up Chili Cook Off fundraiser for The Action Committee.
We throw [a lot of music events]
but I think it's important to broaden those ways of working to other community events and bring people together said Andru Okun, a member of The Action Committee, a local activist group.
Fourteen contestants submitted their own chili-creations to a panel of judges. Serving as judges were Athens-area rapper Jesty Beatz, Josh Pencil Hatfield and Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl, who graded the chili on appearance, aroma, texture and taste.
This is my community and most of these people are my friends Beatz said. This is fun for me. I had the day off
and I decided to come and enjoy chili.
Among the entries he tasted, Beatz said dish number seven was his favorite. An entry that quickly became the favorite of the show, number seven boasted a chili dog accessory, something that also impressed Hatfield.
I am full! Wiehl said once judging had commenced. He added that the more obscure recipes, such as the vegan-style chilies, lacked the classic chili tomato base.
When the judging round ended, guests were allowed to try the various styles of chili and to participate in the People's Choice segment of the event.
Molly Shea, an OU junior studying environmental geography, said that chili number eight was her favorite.
I'm a vegan
so I was a little limited in my choices
[but] this one was a very spicy chili
-
Shea said.
Some students even mixed several of the dishes into one brew.
Emily Cleine, an OU senior studying art education and printmaking, combined three different selections for her own unique brand.
One of them is pretty spicy
Cleine said. I'm not a big spice-person
but I'm enjoying it.
Throughout the event, Michael Bart provided music. Also known as DJ Barticus, Bart played an eclectic assortment that included David Bowie, Hall & Oates and even the '80s classic Time of My Life.
This is the most random event
so I'm just playing the most random stuff
