It was a beautiful day for the 20th Annual Habitat for Humanity Chili Cook-Off and Bake Sale, held Friday, October 4, 2024, on the town square and the lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse. Fourteen chili teams participated in the cook-off; over 600 bowls of chili were served; and $10,000 was raised for Habitat for Humanity, which will be used to build the next Habitat house in DeKalb County.

Smithville Electric took Top Chili Honors, with “The Courthouse Gang” from DeKalb County Officials placing second. Third place chili honors went to “Close the Deal” from DeKalb Title.

The Best Decorated Booth Award also went to Smithville Electric; with “The Courthouse Gang” from DeKalb County Officials coming in second place and “Bedrock Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas placing third.

The Golden Spoon Award went to “Bedrock Chili” from Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, who raised the most additional money for Habitat in cash donations at their booth, with “The Courthouse Gang” from DeKalb County Officials coming in second and Yurezz Home Center coming in third.

Smithville Cumberland Presbyterian Church donated the largest amount of baked goods earning the first ever “Golden Spatula Award.” DCHS Tiger Bakery was second, and Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church was third. Habitat for Humanity thanks the many churches and organizations who contributed to the largest ever Treat Tent!

Rounding out the participating teams were: “Loan Rangers” from Liberty State Bank; “Secret’s in the Vault Chili” from FirstBank; State Farm Mallory Pfingstler; “Bowled and Beautiful” from Hywater Title, LLC; “Chili Chili Bang Bang” from Wilson Bank & Trust; “DeKalb Dems” from DeKalb County Democratic Party; “Legal Limit Spice” from Center Hill Title, LLC/Tecia Puckett Pryor, Attorney; “Spice Builders” from DCHS FCCLA; and “DeKalb County Farm Bureau Arsonist” from DeKalb County Farm Bureau Insurance.

Habitat for Humanity thanks City Mayor Josh Miller and his staff and County Mayor Matt Adcock and his staff for facilitating the event space; and all the fine local folks who came out to support Habitat and this great community event.

This event was sponsored by the following: DeKalb County Insurance; DeKalb Funeral Chapel; Glynn's Auto Sales; Ranger Brake; Smithport Cabinetry, Smithville Church of Christ; Swallows Insurance; The Male Room Brotique; and State Representative Michael Hale.

In addition, Habitat would like to thank these donors for their contributions: Lucas Antoniak for graphic design services; The Harvester Event Center for hosting the Cook’s Lunch; Smithville Food Lion for cheese, crackers and drinks; Dr. Pepper for drinks; Smithville Fire Department for ice; Smithville Electric System for ensuring we had power and putting up the temporary electric pole; Middle Tennessee Natural Gas and Refuge Church for tables and chairs; DCHS Tiger Bakery, DeKalb County 4-H and local churches for baked goods.

Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates houses in partnership with volunteers and families in need, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. To contact Habitat for Humanity, please call  (931) 528-1711 or find them on Facebook @HFHDeKalb TN.