WELCOME

We are a group of chili enthusiasts, who love to get together, cook chili, and compete in chili cookoffs all over the the midwest and  United States. We spread the word about chili, and do so in the spirit of supporting various charities whenever we compete. We are located in the general area of Wichita, Kansas. 

History

Richard and Ethel Hewlett were exposed to CASI and Chili Cookoffs  in the Dallas area where  both of Richard's  brothers had been doing chili cookoffs for quite  some time.  Richard and Ethel began going along and helping with their "SHOW" team.  After going  to Terlingua Texas for the Terlingua International Chili Championship and placing 2nd in the large show category, they were hooked. However. they moved back Kansas.

Once back in Kansas, the Hewletts found that the only CASI Pod in Kansas was the Gladiator Pod,  based in the Kansas City area.  So, Richard and Ethel decided to start a CASI POD in Wichita, Kansas. They held their first annual cookoff in May 2010.  It was quite a success.

Of additional note in the short but successful history of the Sunflower Pod is that Ethel and Richard have received so much guidance and support from Gladiator Chili Pod members Larry Velasquez,  Lee and Shelley Kroencke. They have been guiding and supporting, indeed, mentoring the Hewletts in the establishment of this new Pod, in true CASI form.