A chili cook-off, bug races, a bean bag game, live music and activities for kids were a part of Minneota’s annual Boxelder Bug Days

MINNEOTA – While four of the seven contestants in the annual Johnny Tillemans’ Chili Cook-off held in Minneota over the weekend, were daughters of the late bar and grill owner, the lone male in the group took home a double crown.

Pete Doyscher, married to Johnny’s daughter Carey, received prizes and recognition for his rendition of chili by the people who bought tickets to sample and vote on their favorites. The double header was People’s Choice Best Chili and People’s Choice Best Booth. While all the tables reflected a spicy salsa theme, the samplers liked his the best. Pete’s chili included smoked turkey, while Carey used venison and sausage.

The judges chose three contenders to receive the top three placings based on the judges’ criteria. The winners of the judges’ choice awards included: 1st place – Carey Doyscher, 2nd place – Hilary DeVlaeminck, with a traditional recipe, and 3rd place – Linda Pesch who made her “Hellfire Chili.”

The other contenders included Deb Gilbertson with a version she called, Johnny’s Chili, Lu Hinz who brought her Howdy Cowboy Chili and Sandy Doyscher with a mild hamburger chili. Mild, she said, because not everyone can handle all the hot stuff her sisters put in theirs.

“If it’s fresh and something I’d like, it goes in there,” one of the contestants said. “It works sometimes, but not every time.”

When the judges had taken their samples to be judged, the remainder of the chili was doled out in small cups for sampling. For a $1 per sample, or 6 for $5 or 7 for $6, the public could get its say on which was the best chili. There were so many participants, the chili committee had to send someone to the store for more cups.

The chili competition was running simultaneously with other food vendors, the kiddie parade on the main stage and then the Boxelder Bug Races on the smaller stage next to the main stage.

The kiddie parade had its own princess being driven around in a convertible. A kiddie convertible, that is. Addyson Pohlen, 4, was dressed as a princess and her brother, Landon, 6, was her driver. After the kiddie parade, they had their picture taken with Minneota Boxelder Bug royalty from 2015-2016, Queen Elizabeth Davis and First Princess Adiah Buysse.

Adam DeVlaeminck’s boxelder bug came in first with a race time of 3.12 seconds. It just so happens, it was the second bug he had been given as the first one died before completing the race. He had named them both Miles. Judges for the event were Trent Hennen and John Rolbiecki. As the bug race winner, DeVlaeminck was asked to ride on a float in the parade on Sunday, which turned out to be the rumble seat of an antique car.

Earlier in the day, there was a kids’ pedal tractor pull event. One set of three Minneota sisters each took trophies in their respective age divisions. Laney Coequyt, 4, took 1st place, and Lydia, 10, and Leah, 7, came in third. There were several other winners as well.

Children were entertained for the afternoon with bounce houses type and a bungee jumper on main street and the bean bag competition on a blocked off portion of Minnesota Highway 68 in front of the restaurant.

There was live music throughout the afternoon and evening on the main stage for easy listening and a street dance.

Chuck Josephson and his wife were at the Minneota Senior Center for a discussion on Alzheimer’s disease Saturday afternoon.

Chuck Josephson has published an handbook with everyday, practical guidance for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s. In the second printing, he added two new sections. The first is called “What’s in a Name?” where he said that Alzheimer’s patients will often remember who they can feel safe with even if they can’t remember that person’s name. Josephson said that the patient only gets confused if you asked them what your name is and frustrated if they cannot remember. The second new section is titled “Just Do Whatever You Wish.” Decision making becomes increasingly harder for those with Alzheimer’s, so they are more than likely just going to go along with whatever decisions their caregiver makes for them. Josephson also shared his email address for anyone who has questions of him: chuckandjoan@msn.com.