DANIEL – The Aniel Daniel Chili Cookoff drew about 20 crockpot contestants vying for best red and green chili recipes on Saturday night at the old Daniel Schoolhouse Community Center. Bakers also brought about 20 beautiful desserts, competing for the “best decorated” and highest bids in the live auction.

About 80 people happily joined in to sample the chilis and homemade cornbread.

Judges awarded first place for red chili to Cora Selby and first place for green chili to Livie Sanchez.

Auctioneer Dave Stephens contributed his services to cajole the crowd.

The best-decorated kids’ dessert honors went to sister and brother team Kali and Taron Koch for their Peter Rabbit Cake. They also won kids-themed gift baskets for bringing the highest auction bid in the youth category.

Andi James’ blueberry tart “broken-legged moose pie” won best decorated dessert in the adults’ category and Kimberly Ervin’s lemon supreme topped with blueberry and lemon glaze brought the highest bid in the adult dessert division.

With last weekend’s beautiful spring weather, the kids set up a baseball game outside the Daniel Community Center at the historic schoolhouse. Inside, new officers were Rena Looney, president; Holly Roberts, vice president; Tonya Koch, secretary; Jean Hayward, treasurer; and new board members are Parker Greenwood, Andi James and Hannah McNinch.

The longtime Aniel Daniel Chili Cookoff & Dessert Auction was also supported by community businesses Green River Bar and Office Outlet. The Daniel Community Center is available to rent for other family and community events – this is how the historic gathering place pays its bills.

For more about the Daniel Community Center, visit the Facebook page.