KOOL 107.9 Chili Takes Third Place at Southwest Arbor Fest [photos]

For the second consecutive year, KOOL 107.9 took third place in the Media Division of the chili cook-off at Southwest Arbor Fest on Saturday. Ed Chandler's special recipe hit the mark, and Ed took home the third place spoon.

This year's Southwest Arbor Fest was absolutely the best one ever. While rain was coming down in the Grand Valley early on Saturday, by the time the festival started, there was no more rain and a ton of people came out to get free trees, taste beer, sample chili, browse the vendor booths, and enjoy live entertainment.

One of the highlights of Southwest Fest each year is the jalapeno eating contest, and this year was no exception. What starts out as a large group of competitors is finally whittled down to the last two men standing. Neither would give up and quite, despite the obvious pain, agony, and torment they were feeling in their mouths and in the bellies. Finally, it was ruled a draw, and both contestants took home a $100 cash prize. No doubt, a portion of the money was spent on stomach aids like Tums and Rolaids.

Live music on the stage throughout the afternoon, as well as some dancers down below kept festival goers entertained.

This year's event featured some cool stuff for the kids like the bungee jumper and tree climbing.

Congratulations to Ed Chandler on his yummy third place chili, and to Mackenzie Dodge and KEKB for taking first, and 95 Rock's Tommy Rocker for finishing in 2nd place.

A lot of folks couldn't attend this year's festival because of other events, and because this year's festival coincidentally landed on Easter weekend. If you missed it, make plans to attend next year's Southwest Arbor Fest at Lincoln Park.