Not the same song and dance
Dressed in a white bathrobe and blonde wig, Pete Green recreated the role of Lisa Douglas of "Green Acres" fame, while Jim Akers took on the persona of Oliver Douglas, complete with pitchfork.
Taking their cue from their combined names, the Grayslake buddies created and sang their rendition of the popular sitcom's theme song and served up piping hot chili for the chance to win Saturday during the Grayslake Winterfest's chili cook-off.
"When we put together our names, it was a natural. We thought this would be fun," said Pete Green.
Good times, along with the aroma of zesty chili, abounded at the annual event. Thirty-five cooks, including members of the Chili Appreciation Society International from Indiana and Wisconsin, offered spicy bowls from steaming pots.
People voted for their favorite chili by placing donations in envelopes of the entries they liked. Members of the Chili Appreciation Society International competed separately.
When the votes were counted, Green and Akers' creativity earned them second place overall and third place for showmanship in the People's Choice. They also picked up a third place for Showmanship among CASI cooks.
The winners included Izzy Rock Chili from Grayslake in the People's Choice Division and Pat Gustafson of Chicago, first among CASI cooks. Showmanship winners included Team Colts, representing Grayslake Colts Football and Cheerleading in the People's Choice Division and Grayslake resident Shawn McBride for his Disco Inferno in the CASI division, said chamber executive director Karen Christian-Smith.
Balancing a plastic glass filled with beer and a paper cup filled with chili in his palm, Jeff Blada showed his friend Brian Wilson of Plainfield how to multitask.
"We're having a great time," said Blada, a Grayslake resident.
Winterfest was more than just chili, though. Along with the Alaskan malamutes, highlights included ice sculptures, hay wagon rides and a winter farmers market.
Families could also view Boy Scout Troop 451's winter encampment and displays in Center Street stores.
The popular children's quilt project and open house at the Grayslake Museum gave families a chance to warm fingers and toes made numb from the cold. Children decorated quilt squares that historical society members will make into a finished piece that will be on display at venues around Grayslake, organizers said.