Inaugural chili cook-off benefits International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5043

WILLIS, Texas - It was both hot and chili at the inaugural chili cookoff to benefit the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 5043, Saturday, May 14, at the North Montgomery County Center in Willis.

A dozen teams vied for trophies and bragging rights, and the crowd in attendance enjoyed entertainment and plenty of hot chili. Among the competitors was husband and wife, Lang and Brandi Chapman...competing against each other. The Wilis couple some liken to Archie Bunker and Edith, were at it again, and for a good cause. The funds raised assist firefighters in times of hardship, for expenses not covered under other benefits programs.

See IAFF Local 5043 Inaugural Chili Cook-off

Approximately $8,000 was raised through sponsorships, tickets, and T-shirt sales. Trophies and plaques were awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers, in addition to a People’s Place award. First place went to the Conroe Fire Department #3 team. So where did the Chapman’s finish?

“The judges gave Lang eighth and me ninth,” said Brandi Chapman, “but the People's Choice gave me two votes and Lang zero, so winner, winner chicken dinner for me!”

Lang Chapman is no stranger to cook-offs, but specializes in barbecue entrees. Known on the Q competition circuit as “Bull” Chapman, his Wild Willis Kookers won barbecue Grand Championships at area competitions going back to 2012, and on the winning team of the 2013 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Winning first place with brisket, ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, doesn’t account for much when it’s a chili cook-off, but the real winner of the inaugural event was IAFF Local 5043.

“It’s not the prize, it’s the cause,” said “Bull” Chapman. “Just shigging at a Chili Comp is so much fun.”

#WildWillisKookers #HotChili