Samples of succulent and spicy chili starred Saturday at the Chili Cook-Off at Yountville Park on the town's north side.
"That's my favorite," said Toby Bunch, 9, of Yountville, pointing to the chili booth from the Yountville After-School Program. "It's sweet, but not hot at all."
Chili contenders were judged in two categories: People's Choice; and Judges' Choice.
Many teams got creative.
"Hot Cha Chas" team member Michelle Galanopoulos of Yountville added a basket of freshly baked fig balsamic corn muffins to the chili menu.
"I just graduated from the pastry program at CIA (Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena)," Galanopoulos said. "I thought I would try out some of the things I've learned."
The band C4 Inc. offered entertainment while dozens of chili-tasters cast their votes.
Yountville Vice Mayor Lewis Chilton, who is running for Napa County Supervisor in the June 2014 primary elections, had a chili cook-off booth with his wife Jacqueline. Chilton is challenging incumbent Diane Dillon for the Upvalley seat on the county board.
Chilton's booth did double-duty as a campaign promo, with "VOTE" spelled out on the table in chili peppers.
Yountville Days continues Sunday with a parade at noon and a performance by the band Wonderbread 5.
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