The Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cook-Off brought thousands of "chilli-heads" Downtown on September 24th.   The final numbers are not in, but speculation is a record-breaking 9,000.  Nearly 50 cooks and their teams vied for over $6,000 in cash and trophies along with the chance to cook in the International Chili Society World Championship in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The coveted Grand Champion title, which carries a cool $1,000 payoff, went to Cindy Harmon and her Chili Cocineros and following close behind was Kelly Zehr and his Jeepers Creepers team.  The Grand Champion is determined by a panel of judges looking for the team displaying the most enthusiasm for the sacred nectar of the chili with their outlandish booth displays, outrageous team spirit and best chili score for a single category.  "Give us your bean," is the catch phrase of the day as teams kept the bean counters busy tallying votes (a bean included in each tasting kit) for the Sharon Sawyer's Peoples Choice Award and the $500 prize.

Spectators also enjoyed the hilarious Pepper Eating Contest, Mr. Hot Stuff Contest and a Ms. Chili Pepper Contest. Dr. Dillinger's Freak n/' Floozies entertained the crowds while Hiland's doled out free Ice Cream and Jet BBQ's classic Fire engine gave free rides.  "All in all it was a great day to be a Wagonmaster and a great day for chili and Wichita," said organizer and head chili dipper, Brandon Knowles,"

This year's winners are as follows:

Grand Chamption:

1st Place - Chili Cocineros - Cindy Harmon of Wichita, KS

2nd Place - Jeepers Creepers - Kelly Zehr of Wichita, KS

ICS Salsa:

1st Place: Flatland Dreamers - Bill Spellman of Wichita, KS

2nd Place: Bandwagon Bruce - Bruce Brown of Wichita, KS

3rd Place: Toucan Chew 2 - Sue Dudzik of Omaha, NE

ICS Chili Verde:

            1st Place: Toucan Chew 1 - Bill Dudzik of Omaha, NE

            2nd Place: One Hot Mama - Julie Brown of Wichita, KS

            3rd Place: Toucan Chew 2 -Sue Dudzik of Omaha, NE

ICS Red

            1st Place: AIP Afterburner - Rick Bloomer of Wichita, KS

            2nd Place: Sterling Silver - Larry Bulla of Wichita, KS

            3rd Place: Smithski's Polish Chili - Steffie Smith of Council Bluffs, IA

Anything Goes:

            1st Place: American Family/ Dan Beat Agency - Brent Melroy of Wichita, KS

            2nd Place: Kansas 2 Step - Merle Simpson of Wichita, KS

            3rd Place: East YMCA Men's Group - Ruftles of Wichita, KS

Best Booth Award:

            Security 1st Titile  - Jason Wasinger of Wichita, KS

Team Spirit Award:

City of Wichita - Mayor Carl Brewer of Wichita, KS