Oct. 6, 2021 — After taking 2020 off because of COVID, Darlings Marina and RV Resort hosted its second annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday, Oct. 2. Five contestants began setting up at their booths at 8 a.m. as all cooking was done on site. 

The five entries were from: Dan and Jean Farrald, of Siltcoos Station; Rick and Tracy Thackeray, of Newport; and Dave Smith, Steven Price and Jackie Franklin, all of Florence. 

The three judges were Kristi Starnes, Sadie Ward and Charlie Faigle. 

The “Judge’s Choice” champion went to Franklin. This is her second straight win. She also won “Best Presentation” for her booth’s decor. 

During the event, there were also approximately 100 voters for the People’s Choice Award. The winners were the Farralds, who made a venison/bison chili. They prepared it in a Dutch oven over an open fire.