The 32nd Annual Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off

YUBA PASS — Last Saturday morning, under a sun-filled, bright blue sky at the Yuba Pass Sno-Park, the 32nd annual Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-off attracted nine teams vying for trophies and well over 100 people who delighted in sampling the chili concoctions and libations provided by the contestants, while also socializing with friends and new acquaintances.

At the award ceremonies, Sierra County Supervisor Terry LeBlanc, the organizer for this year’s cook-off, began by giving Downieville’s Jenny Varn a Super Bowl trophy for winning the most competitions, six, over the course of the event’s 31 prior years. Terry then gave Loyalton’s Andy White, the winner of five cook-offs, a second Super Bowl trophy. Also, in recognition of those who had been contestants in all events since 1994, LeBlanc presented “Olympic” medals to Don Russell, Dan Henson, and Andy White.

As for this year’s contest, the judges deemed the Great Yak Attack Chili, presented by Bill Tutly of South Reno, to be, according to LeBlanc, “closest to sixth place”, that is, “Ass Last”. Thus, the Smoked Brisket Chili (from Joey, Amy, and Mallory of Camptonville) and the Cajun Bean Chili (provided by Kerry Dixon of Sparks) fell into the also-ran category. Sixth place honors went to Jenny Varn’s Chili-er Than A Witch’s Tit entry. The fifth-place trophy went to Devon and Taylor Campbell of San Pablo for their Bronco Bean Co. Chili, while the Campbell Soup Chili, presented by Chris and Karen Campbell (Devon’s parents), earned the fourth-place trophy. Meanwhile, Shawn Beachell, with his Better Than Jenny’s Chili, won both third place and the People’s Choice award. Second place went to the Rooten Tooten Roscoe’s Chili team from Sparks. And, guess what, Andy White took home this year’s first-place trophy with his Lizard Country Chili (also known as Head First Chili), and he is now tied with Jenny Varn for the most victories in this venerable competition.

Meanwhile, LeBlanc has issued a word to the wise: don’t be late in arriving at next year’s Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-off. By 11:00 AM at this year’s festivities, many of the pots of chili were empty. Also, he asked all of this year’s winners to please bring their trophies back to next year’s event.