The weatherman cooperated and the Annual Fall Festival, which included a Chili Cook-Off, was one of the most successful Locust Grove Church at Dutton has ever held. Approximately 200 people attended. As always, it was a time for children and adults to spend a day together having fun and eating some of the best food Mathews County cooks are noted for.

There were pony rides, hayrides, bounce house, face-painting, pumpkin-painting. pumpkin toss ring, cornhole, cakewalk, costume contest, outdoor movie and a bonfire with s’mores. A children’s dream of a day, and who’s to say some adults didn’t join in?

Another very important event was the Chili Cook-Off with 11 entries. That’s a lot of chili, and 11 different ways in which it can be made.

After tasting and re-tasting, four judges decided the top three winners were Amanda Smith in third for Mesquite Chili; Lauren White in second for her Secret Ingredient (Dr. Pepper) Chili, and Pam Howlett, whose chili had a kick, in first. “The ju...