Duluth Councilman Billy Jones Wins Chili Cook-Off for Third Time

The weather was chilly Thursday (Aug. 15) for the Third Annual Duluth City Council Cook-Off. It was perfect weather for tasting chili on the Duluth Town Green.

Councilman Billy Jones won the cook-off for the third time with a five-meat chili made with ground deer, beef, pork, chicken, and deer sausage. He had mild and spicy versions. Jones also brought a pot full of Buffalo chicken chili for attendees to sample.


Long lines formed at his chili station.

Also entering chili in the contest were city council members Marsha Bomar, Jim Dugan, Kelly Kelkenberg, and Greg Whitlock. Mayor Nancy Harris announced the winner.

Kelkenberg served Texas chili without beans. Bomar prepared Autumn Texas Chili with pinto beans, black beans and corn. She paired her chili with Mexican cornbread.

Dugan sent a hearty beef chili. He was ill and unable to attend, so Mayor Harris and Alisa Williams, the city's marketing director, served samples of his chili.

Whitlock entered white chicken chili and served it with two kinds of cornbread. 

Contestants also offered grated cheese, sour cream, crackers, and jalapeno peppers as accompaniments to their chili. Oh, and there were bottles of hot sauce for those who wanted to add it for spicier chili.

Jones won a bag full of prizes for placing first in the contest based on votes cast by attendees.

Full bowls of other chili were available for $2 with proceeds benefitting Hands of Christ - A Duluth Cooperative Ministry.