Cook-Off & Costume Winners Announced

Messiah Lutheran Church held its annual Chili Cook-off and Halloween Costume Contest on Sunday, October 28th with over 70 members and friends in attendanc   

There were over eleven chili recipes entered this year!  

The best overall chili award went to the MLC’s Jr. and Sr. Youth,  who made their first ever entry to the contest.  The recipe (found on Pinterest) was prepared earlier in the day under the direction of Youth and Ed Director Sara Galyon and parent Janell Zesinger.  The activity reflected a new youth tradition called “4th Sunday Dinner” where Jr. Youth plan, shop and prepare, and enjoy a meal together with the Sr. Youth.   

In support of the 4th Sunday Dinners, Galyon says it  “gives Jr. Youth an opportunity to have supervised shopping and cooking experiences they can build on and use at home and in support of church fundraising and fellowship events as older teenagers and young adults.”   

The Runner Up in the Best Overall Contest was a chili recipe prepared by Dorothy Seitz.

Guest Craig Cornwell, the father of member Kayla Strand, won the top award for Hottest Chili, beating out entries made by son-in-law William Strand and others.  

Costume Contest Results

The costume contest is always a highlight of the Halloween Themed Party and this year did not disappoint! The array of truly creative costumes was amazing!   This year to expedite the process organizers asked an esteemed panel of judges to pick the difficult task of assigning costume awards in each age bracket. 

• Infant to Pre-K –  Girls: Rose Z. (Butterfly) Boys: George Z. (Caterpillar), Colin P. (Skeleton)
• Elementary –  Girls:  Annalise, granddaughter of Louise Schwendeman (Wonder Woman)    Boys:  Elliot & Henry Z. (Twin Lego Dudes)
• Jr & Sr. High School – Girls:  Merritt Z. (Harry Potter)  Boys:  Aaron W. (Darth Vader)
• Adults:  Female: Kimberly Dennig (Butterfly) Male:  William Strand (Convict) won best male costume.

Thanks are in order to everyone who signed up to make chili, desserts and assist with the event!  The event could not have taken place without Sonja Pederson who organized the decorations, games and costume contest and also Greg Kilby who organized the chili cook-off. 

It was great to see such a nice turnout for the event and the remarkable creativity employed by many of our families with young children.    Here’s wishing everyone a safe All Hallows Eve on Wednesday, Oct 31st. 

Enjoy a selection of images from the event below or view more on the online 2018 Chili Cook-Off Album.