'Vinny' a chili winner for second straight year
Out of 21 teams competing, Gary Vinsand’s team won the Iowa State Fair Chili Cookoff Contest and now advances to the World Champion Chili Cookoff Sept. 7-8. Gary is pictured with Lyle Kreps of Stockman’s, sponsor of the contest, plus team members Shane Davis, Dale Vinsand, Jason McKenna and Rob Hinton. Submitted photo.
Gary Vinsand is well-known for his barbecue skills, but he’s also becoming known for his tasty chili.
For the second year in a row, Gary and his chili team won first place in the Traditional Red Chili category at the Iowa State Fair. They received $250, a trophy and now advance to the World Champion Chili Cookoff in Ankeny Sept. 7-8.
Gary’s State Fair chili team included his son, Dale Vinsand, nephew Rob Hinton, nephew Jason McKenna and Shane Davis. Gary has the recipe. Jason chops the ingredients up very fine. Rob and Shane stir. Dale is the official tester.
The Vinsand team’s chili won out over 21 other teams competing at the Iowa State Fair. A total of 17 people served as judges, awarding points to each contestant.
The 53rd ICS World Championship Chili Cook-off begins Friday, Sept. 6 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 8, at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny. There will be music, food, drinks and of course chances to sample the chili. Read more about Vinsand's chili victory in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
