Gatlinburg Police Department wins People's Choice Honors at Winter Chili Cookoff

GATLINBURG -- The Gatlinburg Police Department proved it has the winning secret chili recipe, capturing People's Choice honors at the Gatlinburg Winter Magic and Chili.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Gatlinburg Wednesday night for the Smoky Mountain Winterfest event which featured live entertainment including The Beat 64, more than 20 vendors serving up pots of steamy chili, and hot chili eating contests.

The Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau announced category winners.

Citizens National Bank claimed Best Decorated Apron honors, and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show was honored for Best Booth Presentation. Sevier County Utility District captured the Best Chili Name award with its entry, "Rootin' Tootin' Natural Gas Approved Chili."

The chili cookoff benefits the Pi Beta Phi Elementary PTA.

A complete list of top chili honors in voting by judges includes:

People's Choice – Gatlinburg Police Department.

Attractions
1st - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies;
2nd - Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show;
3rd Lumberjack Feud.

Restaurants
1st - Loco Burro Cantina,
2nd - Dick's Last Resort;
3rd - TGI Friday's.

Service Organizations
1st - Gatlinburg Police Department,
2nd - Gatlinburg Fire Department;
3rd - Sevier County Utility District

Lodging –
1st - Hilton Garden Inn's Great American Grill,
2nd - MountainBrook

Village Retail –
1st - Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery.

Financial Institution – 1st Citizens National Bank.

Published November 10, 2012