Gallery of Plant City

Candy’s Corner

CHILIFEST/RAILFEST

On Sat. Jan. 28, the Arts Council of Plant City and the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum held two of their annual fundraisers together: ChiliFest and RailFest, respectively. Despite being a cool morning, a crowd formed at the downtown train museum to sample chilis, tour the railroad museum, and enjoy local entertainment.

a. Krazy Kup was named first place Novelty chili, serving up a pizza chili. The Plant City Observer was named second place winner in the novelty category b. Umami Smoke won People’s Choice Award at the 2023 ChiliFest. Umami Smoke is known for infusing flavors and topped their chili with a garlic cream sauce. c. Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures was named 1st place Spicy, over second place Hillbilly Chili. Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures also won 1st place Mild chili over second place Mild competitor Felton’s. d. The Willaford Express took kids for rides around the parking lot to celebrate the city’s train history. e. The railroad museum’s namesake, Robert W. Willaford, was in attendance for the annual RailFest. Willaford donated a significant amount of his personal railroad memorbilia to the museum and in appreciation, the museum was named in his honor. f. Drawdy’s Dance School performed during the joint events for entertainment. Kadance Drawdy performs an aerial flip as part of her solo routine.