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Shaw, Sumter blend in chili cook-off

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SUMTER, S.C. --  People shuffled from booth to booth in the field behind the Sumter County Museum, searching for the perfect flavor of chili at the first chili cook-off hosted by the Sumter County Museum and the Young Professionals of Sumter, while listening to the tunes of The Breakfast Club, a 1980s cover band.

Lieutenant Col. Ken Ekman, 20th Mission Support Group deputy commander, walked back to his favorite stands with his tiny plastic cup and spoon. He was one of 11 judges in the chili cook-off competition here.

"Judging the competition has been a lot of fun," said Colonel Ekman, "I favor the spicy chili. I like the after-taste to burn. The chili also needs to be a meal and have some meat in it. My wife said to come back from this event full."

The event featured 25 cook-off competitors and more than 300 people attended, said Julie Wagoner, Young Professionals of Sumter member.

Competing in the event was 1st Lt. Zach Buckallew, 20th Logistic Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer, originally from Allentown, Penn. He has been making chili for more than six years, he said. This is his first time competing.

"I've taken a bunch of different recipes, experimented and blended them together to make an off-the-wall flavor," explained Lieutenant Buckallew.

Also competing in the cook-off was Gayle Weissenstein, "Chili Extraordinaire" and Sumter resident, with her husband and daughter, Paul and Stephanie.

"I've been making specialty chili for years," said Mrs. Weissenstein. "I like to find chili recipes and then make them my own."

"Chili has always been big in our house," added her daughter Stephanie. "I've always brought home friends from school, both in high school and college, for special chili nights."

Mrs. Weissenstein also won the award for the best-decorated booth in the competition. Other award recipients were Karen Hyatt in third place, Patrick Black and the 80 Proof Pit Crew in second place, and Ernie Porter in first place. Patrick Black and the 80 Proof Pit Crew were also the People's Choice winners.

The chili cook-off was a great event to come out to and be a part of a community full of tradition, Colonel Ekman added.

"I was asked to judge," the colonel said. "If you are able to make time for opportunities like this, always take it. This was a great event to do with some great folks from Sumter."

Lieutenant Buckallew commented that this was an awesome opportunity to support the local community with a bunch of great people and amazing food.

"There is a lot to do in Sumter," said Lieutenant Buckallew, "you just have to be willing to find it."