The top chili cooks at the inaugural Arbor Day chili cook-off last year defended their titles Saturday.
The best of show, judged by a panel that included Mr. Applejack and this year’s Arbor Day honorees Duane and Jackie Smith, went to the Nebraska City Fire Department.
The people’s choice award went to the Talmage Rescue Squad, giving Andrew and Lindsay Krog their second consecutive prize.
Philip Hancock, purchasing manager for Cargill, represented the fire department and said he was surprised to win best of show again.
“We used a completely different recipe this year, but many of the same ingredients,” Hancock said.
About 150 people were served at the cook-off, which also featured music by the Northside choir, Apple Corps Barbershoppers and Belles-A-Peelin’.
