Photo Provided Blue Moon Copper Cup Chili Cook-Off organizer Susan Lapham presents a $25,000 check to Barnesville State Theater Company President Roger Johnson.

BARNESVILLE — The third annual Blue Moon Copper Cup Chili Cook-Off recently raised $25,000 to help restore the historic Barnesville State Theater.

Located at 137 W. Main St., the theater was built in 1924 and operated as a movie and live event venue until the 1960s. The structure housed a few other businesses, including a carpet store and a flower shop, It then stood vacant until 2022, when it was gifted to the nonprofit community group, the Barnesville State Theater Company.

The cook-off saw eleven cooks battle it out for cash prizes as well as commemorative Copper Cup trophies at the West Main Street Parking Lot.

Wayne Lapham won first place with Steve and Crystal Kalman coming in second and Wade Riemenschneider rounding out the top three. Sally Johnson won Best Presentation and Randy Stephen won People’s Choice.

The top three finishers each received cash plus commemorative copper cups, and the People’s Choice and Best Presentation each received a copper cup.

Admission to the cook-off was $10 per person, and all of the people in attendance were able to sample the chili recipes. Attendees also had the opportunity to cast their votes for the People’s Choice award.

A three-person panel judged the entries to select the top three dishes and name the competitor who provided the best presentation with their booth. Judges included Chef Mark Glass of Wheeling, Barnesville Schools culinary arts teacher Keith Baum and Jennifer Compston-Strough, director of development and alumni relations at Olney Friends School in Barnesville.

“It fits well with what Barnesville is doing and how it’s growing,” Baum noted. “I would encourage more cookers to get out and throw their hat in the ring next year.”

Glass said he enjoyed the experience and thought it was “well done.”

He added that the weather was perfect for the outdoor activity and that the cook-off drew a great turnout. He also pointed out that every chili sample was different with both other judges agreeing.

Group President Roger Johnson and several members were present at the event to accept the cookoff’s proceeds from Blue Moon owner and event organizer Susan Lapham.

Lapham previously raised $5,000 for the effort in 2023 and $9,100 in 2024.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who supported the Copper Cup Chili Cookoff, and we’re especially thankful for Susan’s dedication and hard work in making this event such a success,” the organization wrote on its social media account.

Tiburon Oil and Gas Partners, The SLW Foundation, Ackerman Builders, William Knox, CPA, Barnesville Veterinary Service, Blue Moon Tavern, Joe’s Tire, Roger and Sally Johnson, Avenues of Barnesville, Greg and Kathy Batts, Bennoc Inc., Gulfport Energy, Jefferis Storage, Union Local Rotary Club, WesBanco and Woodsfield Savings Bank sponsored the cook-off.

Among the competitors were Kirke and Judi Porterfield of Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream. They offered a blood orange sorbet featuring splashes of vodka and triple sec that served as a cool treat for those tasting the spicy soups.