Submitted by Carrie Krueger, B-WCC
BALDWIN, WI – Peace, Love and Chili Fest has come to a close and fortunately, the rain held off and the weather was perfect for tasting all the different chili’s presented this year. We hit the groove and a “Groovy” time was had by all. It is quite something to see how this event comes together. The Baldwin-Woodville Chamber Board begins preparing in the spring, local sponsors rally their support, and somehow this fabulous 4-hour event is a “must attend” for visitors near and far.
This year, we had 30 Chili Booth Participants all hoping their chili would win over the judges and the voters. This year, People’s Choice Best Chili 1st Place was awarded to Seek Careers Staffing. 2nd place was Baldwin Royalty, and 3rd place was Western Wisconsin Health. The Judge’s Choice Best Chili 1st Place was awarded to Baldwin Perk. 2nd place was North Meets South, and 3rd place was Rancho Loco. One aspect of the Chili Fest is certainly the fun had by the booth participants hoping to win Best Decorated Booth. By Community Vote, Best Decorated Booth, 1st Place was awarded to Adoray Home Health & Hospice. 2nd Place Homestead Veterinary Clinic and 3rd Place to State Farm.
Our popular Mascot Race was well attended this year. We had eight entries from our local businesses and each of them spent a little extra time preparing for the competition. Several videos were shared with our Chamber and posted on our Facebook page, they were definitely fun and creative. Taking the win for the first heat was WESTconsin Credit Union’s, Finn Lee. Our 2nd heat was won by Pillar Pete, from Pillar Bank.
Chili Fest would not be possible without the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, community organizations, main street businesses, public works, emergency personnel, and attendees, “THANK YOU ALL!”
The Baldwin-Woodville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to represent the best of our communities and are so thankful for the support as it allows us to continue promoting our community businesses through Coffee’s On and Business After 5, scholarships, and other events such as Trick or Treat on Main Street, Annual Horse Parade, Business Expo and so much more. If you would like more information about joining the Baldwin-Woodville Area Chamber of Commerce, please email us at bwchamberofcommerce@gmail.com.
Save the Date! Chili Fest 2024 will be held on September 28.
Respectfully Submitted on behalf of the B-WCC Board of Directors,
Carrie Krueger, B-WCC Administrative Assistant
