Sep 7

Sep 7 Chili Heats Up at Lexington Farmers Market Cook-Off

Chili Heats Up at The Lexington Farmers Market

By Antionette Kerr | Davidson Local

Just in time for football weekend, the Lexington Farmers Market turned up the heat with a Chili Cook-Off that drew a hungry crowd and plenty of hometown bragging rights.

{Several winners and judges celebrate at the Lexington Farmers Market. Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

The competition was friendly, but it was Guy Haltom’s smoky, full-bodied chili that stole the show and earned him the title of Chili Champion. Judges noted the layers of flavor that lingered long after the last bite, making Haltom’s pot the one to beat.

{Contributed Photo: Mayor Jason Hayes of City of Lexington – Government, Chef Naila Curry of Lou Lou’s Seafood and Jeff Tilley with Siemens Mobility.}

Best Traditional Chili honors went to Jake Teeter, whose classic recipe hit all the right notes for comfort food lovers. Meanwhile, Kivi Leroux Miller brought bold creativity to the table with a vegan freestyle chili that wowed judges and surprised many in the crowd. Her spicy kick, paired with an unexpected dash of Tabasco sauce, had tasters talking long after their bowls were empty. “It’ll knock your socks off,” one judge remarked.

Cassie Brykailo also earned recognition for her inventive recipe, which took home the Most Unique Chili prize.

The tough decisions fell to a powerhouse panel of judges: Mayor Jason Hayes of City of Lexington – Government, Chef Naila Curry of Lou Lou’s Seafood, and Jeff Tilley with Siemens Mobility. Together, they sampled their way through simmering pots of flavor before naming the winners.

It wasn’t just the chili that warmed things up—familiar faces filled the Farmers Market, making it feel like a neighborhood reunion. With laughter, friendly banter, and plenty of second helpings, the cook-off was as much about community spirit as it was about competition.