The date was April 2nd, 2011. The location, Perry, Florida. The event: the 9th Annual Taylor County Chili Challenge. It was here that On Ideas Interactive Designer Claire Jackson, along with her sister Jen Jackson, made chili history. With 18 other teams competing and a cash prize at stake, tensions ran high. And with several other family members on opposing teams, bragging rights were on the line.
The Jackson Two proved with their strategy that in a cook-off, culinary prowess is only half the battle. Employing Cracker Jack research skills, they turned to The Google for award-winning chili ideas. With a recipe chosen and well aware that perception is reality, their next task was naming. What kind of name befitted a chili soon that would win an award in the near future? And then it came to them: Future Award Winning Chili.
After a long day of slaving over hot pots, the teams hung up their aprons, and tasting began. Soon, the judges delivered a verdict that would rock Taylor County to the core. Claire and Jen Jackson, newcomers to the Chili Circuit, had won three awards, including Most Unique and Second Place overall. The fallout was ugly. Several chili veterans went into a violent rage but were quickly subdued by police. Thankfully, no one was hurt, unless you count egos.
Fresh off her shocking win, Claire will be serving her chili to the entire agency at our next quarterly meeting. And she just found that out by reading this blog. Thanks, Claire!
