Meyer, Lion’s Club win Charles City Great Chili Cook-Off

Chuck Meyer and the Charles City Lion’s Club can roar as king of the 27th Annual Great Chili Cook-Off in Charles City. 

Meyer’s chili was crowned the winner by taster vote on Friday (02.28) at the Columbus Club, beating out seven other contestants in the “Battle of the Service Clubs & Organizations.” The victory also earns Meyer the coveted “Golden Ladle Award” and bragging rights for the competition hosted by Main Street Charles City.

The public was invited to sample all eight chili recipes and vote for their favorite, with all eight chili entries randomly numbered. Meyer’s Chili #5 finished ahead of runner-up Sally Vowell and the Elks Lodge (Chili #4) by 12 votes. Zolton Zorzi, representing the Charles City Community Fund (Chili #2), was just one vote behind in third place. 

Contestants also included Jennifer Lantz with Foster Grandparents (Chili #1), Ann Troge for Charles City Rotary (Chili #3), Victoria Mead representing C.A.Y.A Transition Home for Women (Chili #6), Mike Thome for the Knights of Columbus (Chili #7) and Kip Hauser from the Charles City Community Center (Chili #8).