Share on Facebook {mosimage}Over 250 people gathered at West Johnston High School on Saturday, January 26th for a community chili cook-off, cake walk and bingo night to support the West Johnston High School Band's trip to perform in the 2008 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. Veteran chili cook-off contestant Allen Thornton won the judges choice for his "Johnston County Finest Chili", beating out the other 34 contestants. Tony Chears won the People's choice award with "Tony's Homemade Chili" which he described as an "ancient family secret".

"I enjoyed tasting all of the different types of chili," said chili cook-off judge Marlene Hill, Executive Director of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. "This was a fun way for the band to raise money to perform in the Macy's Parade."

{mosimage}After sampling chili, attendees participated in cake walks to the rousing music of The West Johnston High School Pep Band. More than 30 delicious cakes and baked goods went to the lucky cake walk winners. The evening culminated in bingo, with winners taking home everything from gift certificates to photo albums.

"It was great to see so many community members come together for a fun evening of food and entertainment to support the band," said M. Lance Britt, Director of Bands. "Strong support from our school and community, coupled with hard work from the band, will make it possible for us to represent Johnston County and the entire state of North Carolina at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this November".
 

For more information about the Band or to make a contribution, go to http://www.wjhsbands.org