By LORETTA FULTON

The weather was perfect–for a steaming bowl of chili.

And there was plenty of that Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Open Door Community Garden sponsored by Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

The day began with working in the garden, tilling and trimming in advance of spring planting. Church members, neighbors, and a group of McMurry University students turned out ono a chilly Saturday morning to get the work done.

To celebrate, the 40 or some brave souls were treated to a chili cook-off. Thirteen pots of steaming chili waited to be judged and then devoured.

The judges, who had the tough task of naming three winners, picked the following:

1. Danyel Rogers
2. Kelley Waller
3. Kevin Mansker

Even though those folks took home gift bags for their efforts, everyone was rewarded by the “oohs and aahs” as guests tasted each pot.

In the photo at the top of the page, Mayor Anthony Williams, Pug Parris, Carolton Villers, and Larry Denton pose for a selfie before enjoying the chili. In the photos below, a baby stays warm in a “cool” cap, winners of the cookoff pose of a photo, guests line up for serving, and a big pot of chili waits to be eaten. Winners pictured were left to right Kelley Waller, second place; Kevin Mansker, third place; and Danyel Rogers, first place. Photos by Loretta Fulton