Now that we are all coming off of our sugar high from Halloween and finally made it into the month of November, we’re all waiting for that turkey. Here’s to the tryptophan-induced coma that comes at the end of the month.
I’m sure most everyone has walked into a store these days and noticed the Christmas displays that have been haunting the aisles for over a month now. We definitely don’t want to jump holidays and forget about Thanksgiving, but Saturday, November 2, 2013, we made an exception.
Saturday night was the first-ever Newton County Christmas for Kids Bonfire and Chili Cook-off. The event was created as a way to raise funds for the kids of Newton County. Deb & Grady Weston hosted the fundraising event at their house. Chili cook-off contestants made a pot of their best chili, paid $10 to enter their chili in the cook-off, and let the judges do their job.
10 Contestants took their chance at winning the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Spoons. 
Once all the entries made their way to the table it was time to let the judges do their thing.
While the judges were judging, Grady and Jared saddled up the horses and everyone took turns taking their ride around the pasture. There was also a bonfire set up so you didn’t have to worry about getting chilly on this wonderful cool fall evening. Although you couldn’t have asked for better weather! 
If you didn’t enter a chili, not to worry, there was a drawing with wonderful prizes. 
Sponsors of the prizes included:
Race Brothers – $25 Gift Card
Lucky J Steakhouse and Arena – 2 – $15 Gift Certificates
Keith Brumfield – Conceal Carry Class
Nelda Patrick – Arbonne Lotion
Extreme Sports Scuba – $50 Gift Certificate, 2 Extreme Sports Scuba T-shirts + a Bath and Body Works gift set from Deb as well as Hot Chocolate sets and Chiefs Stickers.
Cupps Tree Service – 2 – Tool Sets
One of the greatest parts of the event, was after the chili was judged, We got to eat. What can I say, we know how to eat around these parts. Along with the Chili we had all the fixins for Frito or Tortilla Chip pies, Corn Bread, Stuffed Jalapeno’s, and desserts galore. If you walked away hungry, it was your own fault. 
The evening wrapped up with the winners of the 2013 Chili Cook-off announced. In 3rd Place was Rachele Lord (prize accepted by her husband as she had to work that night), 2nd Place was Jerry McReynolds, and the 1st place Chili award went to Aerielle Cupp. 
There was also a second type of judging called the People’s Choice Award. It was $1 a vote and the person with the most money won. Rachele’s Chili won the award. 
This was such a fun event full of Food, Fun, and Friends. The real winners of the evening were the Newton County Children though. Deb started this event with a goal of $500 and I would like to take a minute and thank each and every one of you who came out. This year’s event raised $530 for Christmas for the children in Newton County. Each and every one of you deserve a pat on the back. Thank you for coming out to our first event and we hope to see you back next year.