The City of Bridgeport hosted its first-ever chili cookoff during lunch on Friday, March 17. All employees were invited to The Bridge Sports Complex to sample 19 different chili varieties and enjoy a chili lunch featuring salad, cornbread, tortillas and all the fixings. To mix in a little friendly competition, a panel of judges chose their favorites. They seemed to like their jobs, commenting on how good the chili was and how there were so many different tastes.

 

"Some are spicy and some not so spicy," said Councilman Don Burton, judge. "Some have beef, chicken and maybe even vennison. One even tasted like it had pepperoni in it." 

 

Committee member Amy Callahan, Bridgeport Recreation Coordinator, said each city department was asked to submit one pot of chili for the event. Some submitted more than one. 

 

"I think this was good for all the different departments to get together, mingle and have some camaraderie. We don't all get to see each other and this was a good way to get to know everybody," she said. 

 

Taking top honors was Bridgeport Fire Department. 

 

There was also a contest for the best chili name and some were quite creative with their titles and presentations. 

 

 

 

 

 

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City Chili Cookoff