Shelbi Craig, Paris Harley-Davidson’s advertising supervisor, stated she anticipated over a thousand attendees to make their method to the cook-off.

“That is the primary time we’ve performed the chili cook-off,” stated Richard Wiley, deacon of the Bonham Biker Church.

Along with chili, the Bonham church promoted its fallen rider program, which advantages riders after accidents, and raffled off a customized coffin-shaped bike trailer.

The day’s musical soundtrack cranked issues as much as 11 because of a number of bands, together with native favourite Cas Haley, who introduced his household on stage to carry out a number of songs.

Viewers members, together with Lisa Gibbs of Paris, swayed alongside to Haley’s Texan model of reggae and americana.

“I simply received right here, so I haven’t tried a lot of the chili but,” she stated. “However I’m glad I received right here in time for Cas.”

Alabama-based southern rock band Them Soiled Roses additionally carried out earlier than Cody Canada and the Departed took the stage to shut out the musical festivities.

Bailey Foy, volunteer recruiter for CASA for Children, stated the nonprofit group had by no means been the recipient of the chili cookoff earlier than however was grateful to be part of the occasion.

“We wish to thank (Paris) Harley-Davidson for selecting to assist the abused and uncared for youngsters of our group,” Foy stated.

Among the many chili distributors; which included space banks, native bike golf equipment, and different space companies had been Rigby’s Cigars, the US Marine Corps and Motion Axe Throwing, amongst others.

Tina Freelen, an assistant vice chairman at First Federal Group Financial institution, stated the financial institution had participated within the chili cookoff for so long as anybody might keep in mind.

She stated the financial institution took dwelling second place a number of years in the past and deliberate to win this 12 months.

“In fact, we’re going to win!” she stated excitedly.

Winners of the chili cook-off weren’t introduced by press time, but the music and the chili simmered on.