RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - After a four-year hiatus, the Wilton Firefighters Association Chili Cookoff and Classic Car Show returned to the Wilton Community Center on Oct. 12, drawing an enthusiastic crowd.

The event, which was free to attend, welcomed 1,345 guests who sampled 11 varieties of chili, admired 47 classic cars, explored 45 vendor booths, enjoyed 500 types of beers, vied for 50 raffle prizes, lunched at food trucks and let their children play in the “Kids Zone.” The event lasted six hours and featured music and entertainment from a disc jockey and emcee.

Patsy Nemetz, chair of the Sacramento County Service Area 4B Council, known informally as the Cosumnes Parks & Rec Council, oversaw the event at the community center. The co-sponsor was the Wilton Community Center Non-Profit, which is affiliated with the council. The event also utilized Dillard Elementary’s playground, grassy area and a driveway.

“Overall, it was a huge success,” Nemetz said. “It really felt like people were just waiting for an opportunity to get back out into the community again.”

This marked the seventeenth iteration of the Wilton chili cookoff, which had paused after 2019 due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in volunteer support. The idea to bring it back was spearheaded by Randy Upham, president of the non-profit, and long-time firefighter and association member Bill Kirkland.

“After much discussion, it was posited that the event may be manageable if both groups came together - thus our team was formed,” Nemetz explained. “Randy, who went on to be event co-chair, and Bill did a lot of the heavy lifting to get us to the day of the event.”

The cookoff saw 11 teams compete, with firs place going to the Badger 7 Alarm Fire Chili team, made up of two women from the Badger Creek Road area. This neighborhood recently experienced a fast-moving grass fire.

“They decided to participate to show their appreciation for the firefighters that fought that fire and saved their neighborhood,” Nemetz said. “This team donated their $500 prize back to the event.”

She said 47 participants competed for four prizes in the car show with Leon Eisenbrandt winning the People’s Choice award for his 1947 Willys.

The “Kids Zone” was a big hit with families. “We had a fully staffed climbing wall, a monitored bounce house, free face painting, and an obstacle course set up by the Wilton volunteer firefighters,” Nemetz said. “Prizes were given out by the local Cub Scout Pack 16 to all kids that participated.”

Two Wilton residents provided the soundtrack for the event. “We had a local company Drew Gray Media playing a wide range of music, Nemetz said. “Our emcee was Cara Lane and she did an amazing job keeping everyone entertained.”

When asked how they secured so many sponsors, Nemetz noted the committee’s determined efforts. “The committee really hit the pavement to get sponsors this year, and it was well worth the effort,” she said. “So many businesses generously donated to our event, and we are truly so thankful.”

Nemetz gave special thanks to The Knight Group of Elk Grove Auto Mall, the event’s Chief level sponsor. “We plan to send all the sponsors and raffle donors a thank you letter to let them know how grateful we are,” she added. “Their involvement will allow us to support so many worthy causes locally.”

Initially, the committee had decided against holding a raffle, due to the time and energy it required to organize. However, community member Stephanie Bruce stepped up to handle  the entire process.

“Stephanie did the raffle start to finish and it was an enormous success,” Nemetz said.

As of the story’s deadline, Nemetz did not have the final figures for the amount raised. The profits will be shared among the firefighters association, the nonprofit, and the Firefighters Burn Institute. 

The non-profit plans to use its portion of the funds to support local school programs and assist other community groups in need.

"We have also made a real effort in recent years to host new programs for the community at no or minimal cost,” Nemetz said. “We’ve held several free gardening forums with local experts, a free elementary talent show and, of course, our annual Winter Festival and Parade.”

The firefighters association is a long-standing supporter of the community. 

“Led by President and Chili Cookoff co-chair Jim Nessen, the WFA supports 4-H and FFA market animals at the County Fair, Dillard School programs such as PACE/PTO, and various scouting organizations for boys and girls in the Wilton area,” Nemetz said.

The association also donates to Wilton families affected by tragedies, including house fires or the untimely death of a family member.

Nemetz had one final thought. 

“I think one of the major reasons our event was so successful is our committee member, Codi Craig. She worked tirelessly to get the word out about our event,” she said. “Codi really leveraged the social media platforms to drum up support and make sure the community was aware of our Chili Cookoff and how they could participate.