During the Gilpin County High School homecoming football game on October 6, the Gilpin County Annual Chili Cookoff gathered aspiring home chefs from around the county to compete. The Gilpin County Booster Club offered a golden trophy and a $50 gift card for the winner of the contest, as well as smaller prizes for second and third place. This event, hosted by the Booster Club, has been a staple of Gilpin County High School for the past 11 years. The money raised from the cookoff goes to providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

This year, there were a total of 10 entries. These entries ranged from gluten-free, vegan chili to meat-filled delights. The tasting began at 6:30 p.m., a half hour before kickoff. People lined up quickly to try the chilis and vote for their favorite one. Each full-range taste test cost $2. Tasting ended with the first quarter of the football game coming to a close. The tension began to build amongst the participants. Each one had shown the full extent of their cooking prowess in hopes of winning the contest and the prize.

At half-time, Gilpin School science teacher Joseph Wuchter announced the chili cookoff winners. To the surprise of many, first place was a tie between Brandy Lane and Sunny Vincent. The two women laughed and agreed upon shared custody of their golden trophy. Second place was awarded to Suzie Murphy. She received a set of oven mitts and a $25 gift card. Third place won a golden spoon and a $25 gift card. After the winners were announced, the Booster Club sold the remaining chili for $5 a cup.

Events such as this are critical to the well-being of our mountain community. They foster a deeper connection between people from different backgrounds. This connection helps make our community unique.