25th Annual Michiana Chili Cook-Off brings out good attendance despite rainy conditions

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Rain was an issue Sunday afternoon in Mishawaka, with several pockets of showers popping up, but it wasn't enough to deter hundreds from coming out to taste-test at the 25th annual Michiana Chili Cook-Off.

The cook-off featured 11 different varieties of chili, from standard bean and tomato to vegan and vegetarian options, everything was on the table for a good cause.

All proceeds from the event went to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, which has seen an uptick in need of service since the beginning of the year.

Executive Director and CEO of the food bank, Mari Jo Martinec, said that there's been a 35% increase in need of the bank's services since January. 

Although the donations were the big focus, the community paid plenty of attention to the chili itself and helped to vote on the most popular sample. 

The crew at Ivy Tech Community College's Hospitality program came away with the first-place trophy, not just from the judges but also from the popular vote.

While there are no official numbers, organizers estimated that the rain didn't push too many away and that a good