Watson Yoder, the youngest to ever be named Chili Champ, is awarded the trophy for the Parkview Chili Cook-off on Sunday, October 18.

The winning chili soup is on display at the Parkview Chili Cook-off on Sunday, October 18.

Neighbors and friends enjoy tasty chili soups at the Parkview Chili Cook-off on Sunday, October 18.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” — William Shakespeare in “Twelfth Night”

Submitted by Parkview Neighborhood

The debate about greatness or goatness has long been raging. But in the north-central Sabetha neighborhood of Parkview, some would say greatness is found in a spoonful of chili. Like a beautiful poem, prose or play, a delicious chili soup demands planning, creativity, and ultimately execution. A chili soup is neither autogenic nor self-actualized. No, it must be created by a maker – nay, an artist. The artist must fashion raw materials and liquids, and apply just the right heat over time to produce the masterpiece. The technique requires much practice to achieve the perfect chili soup. This was the challenge bravely accepted by five of the finest culinary artists in the area. Could one rise among the rest to be crowned Chili Champ? The tension was palpable as the stage was set. The entries and soup descriptions were as follows.

Sue Plattner’s, “Bowl Movement” — Thick, hearty, stick-to-your-ribs typa chili! Heavy on the beans, so you might wanna plan an evening close to home after eating!

Noelle Meyer’s, “El Classico” — A hearty, slow-simmered beef chili with a rich tomato base, tender beans, and a balanced blend of savory spices.

Watson Yoder’s, “Oh Deer This Chili Is Good” — Oh deer! This chili packs a punch. Slow-simmered venison, beans and a secret ingredient (it’s probably love). Warning: may cause second helpings, seconds of silence and the overwhelming urge to give the chef a trophy!

Nick Strahm’s, “Double Meat Bit o’ Heat Chili” — A hearty, two meat chili with a mild background heat.

Emily Plattner’s, “No Recipe, No Problem” — Beans, tomatoes and meat, this chili is really neat. Ketchup, mustard, spices and more, this soup you will adore!

As per tradition, the audience (residents) of the Parkview Neighborhood and friends were treated to a delightful adventure for the culinary senses serving as taste testers of the chili soups. It was pure theatrics, tragicomic in fact, with tastebuds experiencing sweet, savory, spicy, joy, laughter, sadness, resolution and absolution, all in a bowl of chili. After the last spoon had been laid to rest, results were tabulated as the artists paced nervously backstage waiting for the announcement, knowing the outcome would be life-changing.

The winner based on the popular vote was indeed Watson Yoder’s, “Oh Deer This Chili Is Good.” Yoder joins the hall of legendary Chili Champs of past years, including Dralinn Burk’s “Heartwarming Chili” (2024) and Carla Renyer’s “Bow Chili Wow-wow” (2025).

Yoder raised the trophy high and received the glory and accolades that come from such victory. But success and achievement is meant to be shared among friends and readers of this drama, and you can find the exact recipe used by Yoder to create your own “Oh Deer This Chili Is Good” soup on Page 6B of The Sabetha Herald.

As the darkness increased its pursuit of the sun in the western skies, the neighbors enjoyed lingering a bit longer, relishing the company and full bellies as the curtain closed on another chili challenge. The End.