An impressive crowd turned out for Habitat for Humanity's 8th Annual Chili Cook-off and Bake Sale, held at the 303 Building on the square Friday.
Businesses and organizations from across the county participated in this year's event, with proceeds going to benefit Habitat for Humanity in DeKalb County.
The "Wild West Gang," a.k.a the staff of the DeKalb County Board of Education, took the "Best Chili" award this year, as well as clinching best decorated booth honors.
The crowd chose "Blessed and Highly Flavored," a joint culinary effort between Allen's Chapel and Buckner's Chapel Methodist churches for second place chili.
The event raised $3,000, to be used toward the building of the fourth Habitat house in DeKalb County next year.
Ten teams entered the contest this year, including  "The Courthouse Gang" from the DeKalb County Officials, "Bumpers Web-Slingers" from Bumpers Drive In, "Unconditional Chili" from Harbinger Media Partners, "Hale's Bowls of Fire" from James C. Hale, "Hot Checks Chili" from DeKalb Community Bank, "Comfort Builders" from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, "Avant-garde Chili" from Art Revolution, "Building Chili - One Bean at a Time" from Habitat for Humanity, as well as the aforementioned DeKalb County Board of Education and Allen's Chapel and Buckner's Chapel entries.
“Hot chili on such a cold day, what could be better?” said Sharon Evans, a member of the Habitat committee. “It has turned into a great community event that people look forward to.  We appreciate all the chili teams for their hard work and dedication to this event and to everyone who brought the delicious baked goods and beautiful plants.”
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization.
Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.
The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.
To contact Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, please call 215-8181.