GALLUPVILLE — Roughly one hundred guests braved the frigid temperatures on Saturday to stop by the Gallupville House for the "Oh Man Chili Cook-Off." Eleven contestants vied for votes to claim chili victory by offering their special recipes, with many on the spicy side, along with cornbread and lemonade to wash it all down. Last year's winner, Hilda Blevins, did not compete, and the field was wide open. Suspense was high as everyone wondered who would emerge in first, second, and third place once all the secret ballots had been cast. The palpable tension was only relieved by the announcement that Raema Obbie of the Rockerbox Spice Company had won first place, followed by The Babbling Brook and Ben Clause of Sol Family Farm Each winner went home with the coveted "wooden spoon" as an award. 

Among the community members to throw their hat into the chili ring was the Gallupville Fire Department (GFD). While they did not win, the members of the GFD will have yet another chance to wow the residents of Wright with the culinary wizardry on Valentine's Day, when they host the 2nd annual Valentine's dinner. Unlike the monthly breakfasts, the Valentine's Day event requires a reservation. Two times are available for reservation: 5:00 and 6:30 pm. Diners can choose in advance from a menu of soup, entrées including chicken parm and spinach and garlic ravioli, and three dessert options to cap off the meal, all for $25.00 per person. There will be no canoodling at the romantic dinner, but there will be plenty of cannoli and noodles. Visit the Gallupville Fire Department on Facebook or wrightfiredistrict.org to make your reservations.