Terry and Kip Engell, left, representing the HomeTown Agency took first place in the judged category at the Christmas Kickoff. Shane Anderson, right, representing Frenchman Valley Co-op took first place in the People’s Choice category. Brenda Anderson presented them with their awards.

By Sheri Hink

The Wauneta Breeze

The Chamber’s Christmas Kickoff was deemed a success last Thursday night, Nov. 29.

The evening featured a chili cook off and a Christmas tree decorating contest.

Kip and Terry Engell, representing the HomeTown Agency, maintained their standing for the best chili in the Judges Choice category.

They took the title away from Kathy and Dave Kerchal last year. The Kerchals, representing the Post Office, placed second in the Judge’s Choice category.

Troy Skelton, Leanne Hunt, Rich Romine and Sheri Hink served as judges at this year’s event.

A new winner was named in the People’s Choice category as well.

The honor went to Shane Anderson, representing Frenchman Valley Co-op. The Kerchals came in second in the category.

The night also featured a new event, a Christmas tree decorating contest. Leanne Hunt, representing Valley Bank & Trust, was named the People’s Choice winner of the event.

Jo Arenz, representing Roonie’s Place, Hunt, Ashley Einspahr, representing Waneta Roller Mills and Nancy Noble, representing The Country Clipper competed in the event.

The contest winner was decided by a vote of those in attendance.

The event was attended by approximately 100.

The tree decorated by Leanne Hunt, representing Valley Bank & Trust, was chosen as the winner in the Christmas tree contest.