Oyster Ranching Etc.: James River Runners Chili Cook-off

Perfect weather welcomed hordes of chili seekers at the 31st annual James River Runners Chili Cook-off on May 7, 2011. The event occurred at the River Runner’s picturesque base camp at Hatton Ferry, the location of the last pole operated ferry in America.

The event was an obvious success, with the campgrounds and parking lots full, while vigilant neighbors jealously barricaded their driveways from the revelers. $15 bought you a parking place, and a bowl and spoon, which the colorful contestants promised to fill with “ALL THE CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI YOU CAN EAT UNTIL CHILI RUNS OUT!”

The 25 chefs were vying for the $200 grand prize, but clearly all the effort was not done for the prize money. The Steve and Tim Ryalls Band provided spirited acoustic music that sometimes had to compete with the occasional freight train traversing the event.

The rules require that all chili is cooked on site. Contestants are judged on both taste and presentation. The winners? Chili lovers, and the beneficiary of this charity event, The Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, which over the years has received $245,000 from this entertaining spring event. Paige Wilkes, part owner of James River Runners, said this year’s event raised over $12000, despite a somewhat smaller turnout.