Any way you like it, Logan County Fair Chili Cook-off serves it up

[August 07, 2017]  No matter if you like your chili hot and spicy, sweet and spicy, mild, full of meat, or full of beans, the annual Logan County Fair Cook-off has almost every kind of chili imaginable. With competitors from all around the county who use a variety of recipes and give fairgoers the chance to sample each chili, the cook-off is the place to be on a Saturday.

This year's cook-off was bittersweet for returning teams due to the recent passing of Doug DeMay. DeMay was in charge of the event for many years and brought a lot of fun to it year after year.



With the renaming to "The Doug DeMay Memorial Chili Cook-off," Dave Eyrse had a place setting with a bowl of chili set in DeMay's memory. Others said they missed DeMay's presence and there was a perpetual sense of expecting him to walk in.

Taking over this year was Doug Ritterbush, who has entered the cook-off every year and won at least once. With Ritterbush at the helm, the cook-off went very smoothly.

This year there were fifteen teams, the largest number of participants ever. The usual bantering and ribbing occurred between friendly rivals, many of whom make the cook-off part of their fair tradition.

After the ten judges tasted the various chilis, making what must have been a tough decision, Ritterbush read the results. This year's winners received plaques and the top team will have its name on a plaque that for future posterity will be placed in the fair office.

Top prizes were awarded to:


Brett Conrady and family in first place. They also received the people's choice award.


Jason Guy in second place.


Nuthhatch Hill BBQ team with Brad Luckhhart and family in third place.


Heather Klopp-Cosby and Scott Semple for best presentation.

[Angela Reiners]