Some like it hot

James Powers, executive chef at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, hands over a bowl of chili.Treasure Island offered three choices, including one that won the award for Hottest Chili at the 2009 United Way Chili Cook-off held Thursday evening at the National Guard Armory.Winners were: Best Chili/amateur — Xcel Energy; Best Chili/professional — Potters on Main; Hottest Chili — Treasure Island Resort & Casino; Most Unusual Chili — ProAct Inc. (squash and zucchini); Best Name — ProAct (Great Bowls of Fire Chili); Best Costume — Potters on Main (clowns); Best Display — Hanisch Bakery; Grand Tooter Award for most ticket sales — Edina Realty; People's Choice/amateur — KWNG Radio runnerup, city of Red Wing first place; People's Choice/professional — Hanisch Bakery runnerup, Potters on Main first place. Ruth Nerhaugen photo

Lisa Huppert (left), Jen Ryan and Mitzi Bjork won honors for Best Chili in the professional division, Best Costumes and People's Choice Chili among professionals. The 2009 United Way Chili Cook-off Thursday evening filled the National Guard Armory with people anxious to sample more than 20 varieties. Ruth Nerhaugen photo