The pots have cooled, and both ladles and swords have been sheathed for another year. The fifth annual Broad Ripple Lodge Chili Cookoff of October 22nd is tossed on the heap of history, and a historic achievement topped the evening. To alternate cheers of supporters, jeers of "Fraud at the polls!" and Templar cries of "God wills it!" Brother and Sir Knight Erik Hiner, Eminent Commander of Raper Commandery #1, scored an unprecedented third win in three years with his Ye Olde Mid-Evil Knights Templar Chili.
This event grows in dubious popularity each year. With more than fifty friends, family and other victims in attendance, fifteen noble combatants courageously concocted cauldrons of questionable cuisine for this cosmic drama of intestinal conflict. All agreed that the quality of the recipes—and the accompanying bragging, ragging and trash talk—made this a very close contest this year. Visitors came from more than ten lodges around the state, and even drew an entry from PGM Robert Hancock (winner in the hotly contested Wouldn't Feed It To The Hogs division).
A spectacular array of prizes was awarded in a bewildering lineup of categories. But most important, Brother Hiner's name will be emblazoned on the suitably bilious Scarlet Pepper Cup trophy where it will gloat in garish glory at all of us forever in its permanent place of honor in the Lodge. Heaven help us for another year.
For more photos of this event, see our photo gallery
Posted by Chris Hodapp at November 22, 2005 05:57 PM