29th Annual Yuba Pass Chili Cook-off Defies Opposition from the Elements

Despite the weather, cook-off attendees had a fine time rebeling against the snow, wind and cold.

YUBA PASS - Almost 50 fearless and adventurous souls braved slippery, snow covered roads to make their way to the 29th Annual Yuba Pass Cook-off this past Saturday morning. Upon their arrival at the Sno-Park at the 6,701' summit, attendees faced wind blowing snow horizontally across the venue while they sampled home-made chili prepared by seven competing teams and imbibed assorted liquid libations.

Contestants in the cook-off, in order of what the judges deemed to be the quality of their fare or bribes, were Chicks & Chili by the Farm House Girls (Amanda and Amy), Fire Tire Don't Yak from Yak Roofing on Highway 89, Head First Chili by perennial participant Andy White, Chile of Doom by Geno, The Bean Team, Coldstream Chili by Tracy and Jake Leiter plus Carsen West and Karen Couwenhoven, and Fork and Horn - Better Late than Never who were thrilled to take home the esteemed Dead Ass Last trophy.