The Canadian Nation Chili Cook-Off Championship was held at the Kleefeld Honey Festival on Saturday.

Gord Meneer, Event Manager for the Kleefeld Honey Festival, says there were 10 groups vying for the number one spot in the chili cook-off championship.

Meneer says it was a perfect day for the cook-off.

“The weather was awesome the competitors were all excited and happy to be here, all had smiles on their faces, and just loved every minute of it, it was great. There isn't word to explain about how we feel to be able to host the Canadian Chili Cook-Fff Championships right here in Kleefeld Manitoba.”

The winning duo was a father son team called Burning Ring Of Fire. Darryl Mcgarey and Tyler Thurston came out from Winnipeg early in the morning to join the event.

McGarey says the cook-off was a lot of fun and he did not think they would win.

“Oh it was a blast, getting up at five in the morning to cook chili is a little early, other then that good times. I'm in total shock right now. We didn't expect it at all. Like not at all. It's fantastic.”

Thurston says neither of them have ever entered a chili cook-off before Saturday.

“I didn't wake up at 5 o'clock this morning thinking I was going to win a chili contest today, lets just say that. We actually wing it. We had no idea what we were doing when we made the chili, to tell you the truth.”

Both McGarey and Thurston say they are very excited to be attending the world championships in Florida later this year.

The pair won $2500 for the first prize as well as $1500 for travel costs to get to Florida.

Wayne and Pat Shymco won the $1000 second prize and will also be going to the world championship.

Wayne Shymco says the two of them normally enter in barbecuing competitions but decided to give chili a shot.

“I think every one of our relatives and friends and neighbors and everything are sick of tasting my chili. There are a lot of different versions, some good, and some not so good.”

Shymico says they also already have an entry into the world food championship on the barbecue side but they will most likely compete in chili instead.

The $500 third place prize went to Rob and Jaylene Kewley.

Meneer says the winners were quite a bit ahead of the others and second, third, and fourth were all very close.

"You know what it just means that those other competitors have to step it up a little bit more for next year and figure out how to get their spices just a little bit more on tune."

Meneer says it was an honour to be able to host a Canadian nation event right here in Kleefeld.

Wayne And Pat Shymco Accept Second Place Prize

Rob and Jaylene Kewley Accept The Third Place Prize