The Kiwanis Club of Skidaway announces the winners of their 20th annual chili cook-off. During the event, families were entertained by a petting zoo, face painting, a magic show and music provided by a local DJ.

Twenty restaurants and community organizations prepared their best chili for the cook-off. There was a diverse mix of recipes and presentations. One thing each booth had in common was its ability to foster good conversation and an enjoyable atmosphere contributing to the overall success of the day.

A panel of judges and nearly 500 participants who cast ballots determined the final winners in multiple categories. Professional restaurant contestants and community contestants were split into two separate groups with winners announced in each.

The 2017 winners are:

Presidents Award Winner: Jalapenos (Restaurant) and Landings North (Community)

Presidents Award Runner-Up: The 5 Spot (Restaurant) and The Marshes (Community)

Judges Award Winner: Troy’s (Restaurant) and America’s Second Harvest (Community)

Judges Award Runner-Up: Village Bar & Grille (Restaurant) and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia (Community)

Hottest: La Nopalera (Restaurant) and Landings South (Community)

Best Presentation: Jalapenos (Restaurant) and America’s Second Harvest (Community)

People’s Choice Winner: Bow Tie Barbecue (Restaurant) and The Marshes (Community)

People’s Choice Runner-Up: Troy’s (Restaurant) and Landings North (Community)

A raffle of a new 2018 well-equipped Club Car golf cart was also held. Dennis Heath was the lucky winner.

The Kiwanis Club of Skidaway offered special thanks to Bobby Gillham, fundraising chair for the Kiwanis Club and this year’s cook-off organizer, and to the eight young men and women from Youth Challenge Academy at Fort Stewart who helped each booth stay tidy and stocked with supplies throughout the entire event.

After all expenses, net proceeds from the 2017 cook-off topped $17,000 to support agencies and programs that help at-risk kids in Savannah.