At first glance, the Oct. 19 fundraiser organized by Kiwanis might appear to be two different events: a chili cookoff held at the Alpine Community Center and a car show at the Alpine Education Complex. However, Kiwanis director and event organizer Pene Manale said the two components work quite well together as the car show gives people something to enjoy while the chili entries are coming together for the judges.
Saturday’s car show had four rows of automobiles spanning a century of design lined up for the community to enjoy in the sunny parking lot, from the historic 1920s roadsters to the muscle cars with their hoods popped open next to the sleek, aerodynamically designed modern vehicles.
According to Manale, Kiwanis received between 35 and 40 of the entries ahead of time and about 20 more showed up on Saturday to join in the event. At $25 for advance registration and $30 at the door, those entries contributed more than $1,000 for the community service organization.
Although most cars shown on Sunday have been restored for show purposes alone, Shirley Mitchell is one car owner who proudly boasted that her car is still in use.
“I’ve owned this same car since 1972 and it’s a daily driver. My car was the laughingstock of all my friends when I bought it and I think I’m probably the only one with the same car that’s still running,” Mitchell said.
Teen members of Key Club from Granite Hills High School, a group overseen by Kiwanis, walked between the shiny vehicles and sold raffle tickets for the baskets of goodies donated to the club for additional fundraising.
Half a block away, on the green lawn of the Alpine Community Center, the chili cookoff opened for setup at 7 a.m. Contestants were required to cook seven gallons of chili with the promise of a $200 cash prize for the winner. Although Kiwanis Secretary Debbie Jackson said there were slightly fewer entries than in past years, there were several contestants who had participated several times, including Ron MacArthur, the first contestant to start setting up.
“We’ve been doing it for about 12 years, won once and took second place twice. My other two cookers are out today so I’m solo,” MacArthur said.
Manale said the competition is tough and noted that all the chili has to be made on site so participants need to arrive early and use their time wisely.
The judges ultimately awarded first place to team Sisters From Another Mister, second place to Dick Allen’s Fat Side Up BBQ, and proclaimed third place a tie between The Gator People, led by J.R. Bailey, and The Hot Chili Peppers.
Manale said the event typically brings in between $4,000 and $6,000, with winnings split between the Alpine Community Center and the Foundation Service Account of Kiwanis Club of Alpine.