It was a beautiful June day, the first time the annual competition had been moved from the last Sunday in June to the FIRST Sunday of the month, but the eight Chili Chefs and the hundreds of chili fans journeyed to downtown Rough and Ready to enjoy the fare.

When it was over, Monte Downing of Mondog's Fire Roasted Red Chili Team, from Grass Valley, not only claimed the crown and the $500 first prize, but the $250 People's Choice award as well! This is the 2nd year in a row that the same team won both awards.  The People's Choice Award was again graciously provided by the Penn Valley Veterinary Associates!

Larry Balsley, a perenial favorite, won 2nd Place with his Jack Daniels #1.  

Thank you to all the Chili Cookers who prepared their favorite chili...Larry and Sylvia Smith's Fire in the Hole Chili, Brenda Downing's Who Let the Hogs Out Chili Verde, Chelsea Wright and The Rough and Ready Fire Department's Firehouse Chili, Chris and Rick Kahils's Firey Old Fart's Chili, Betty Libby's Jack Daniels #2, and Gary Miller, James Jones and the Marine Corps League Gold Country Detachment #885 for their entry . Thanks and Congratulations to all!

Thanks also to the volunteers, vendors, musicians, Saga of Rough and Ready actors, chili judges and especially the men and women of our Fire Dept for preparing a delicious breakfast and for the Bounce House, Water Slide and gold panning that kept the kids entertained for hours! Special gratitude to Dr. Erick Muehlenbein, DVM and the Penn Valley Veterinary Associates for their generous sponsorship.