The competing chefs were pretty serious about getting the chili's set up, but other members and guests enjoyed socializing in the cool evening temperatures out on President Pam's patio. Some guests even had time for a little Corn Hole competition before the feasting began.
Polo Santiago was officially inducted and welcomed into the Mesa West Rotary Club membership with his family present and participating in the brief ceremony.
Assistant Governor Dan Coons was honored by John Pennypacker by being presented with his Paul Harris Fellow Plus Seven recognition pin, representing a total of $8,000 in donations from Dan to The Rotary Foundation.
The sampling of the chili's was taken pretty seriously by all those who were going to vote to choose the winners of the competition.
President Pam and Vickie Smith were both celebrating their birthday, and Ray Smith was kind enough to lead everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" to them.
The winner of the Most Unique Chili competition was Logan Harper. Winning the Mas Picante Caliente competition was Lu General. Club President and hostess Pam Cohen was the winner of the Best Overall Chili in the competition. There were no losers. All were delicious! Shelly Romine explained that this will likely be an annual event with a traveling trophy which will be presented to Pam at an upcoming meeting.