 WEST VIRGINIA — Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice participated in several West Virginia Day events, taking them from the State Capitol in Charleston to Independence Hall in Wheeling, commemorating the state’s 161st birthday.WEST VIRGINIA HOT DOG SAUCE CONTEST First Lady Justice announced the winner of her West Virginia Birthday Hot Dog Sauce Contest during today’s celebration. Paige Toney of Grantsville was named the grand prize winner with her recipe, ‘Calhoun Band Booster.’ Paige, along with Jackie Blankenship, the former Band Director for Calhoun County High School, used their recipe for decades to raise funds for the school band.“Our hot dog sauce contest had a tremendous response,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “I mean what’s more West Virginian than a great tasting chili to put on your hot dog? There were some really unique recipes along with more “original” chili recipes and they were fun to read through. I hope everyone enjoys the hot dogs, punch, and cake today!” Also in attendance were the West Virginia Hot Dog Guys — Jay Silverman and Joel Bennett, who have traveled across the state to find the best West Virginia-style hot dogs. Gov. Jim Justice awarded a proclamation to the WV Hot Dog Guys, declaring July the West Virginia Hot Dog Month, encouraging everyone to go on their journey to businesses across the state in search of the best hot dog recipes.  As part of the West Virginia Day festivities, First Lady Justice ceremoniously cut the official West Virginia Blackberry Walnut cake and served it alongside the signature Mountain Mama fruit punch. Attendees also had the opportunity to sign an extra-large West Virginia Birthday Card on display. GRAND PRIZE WINNING RECIPEToney won a $500 gift card and was awarded an honorary first-place certificate for taking home the prize. ‘Calhoun Band Booster’ was selected as the best among three outstanding chili recipes that were finalists in the contest.All hot dog chili recipe finalists were taste-tested by the First Lady, Gov. Jim Justice, Chief of Staff to the First Lady Vicki Shannon, Liaison to the First Lady Joslyn Barnhart, WV Governor’s Mansion Executive Chef K.D. Jones, Cabinet Secretary Randall Reid-Smith, and other staff members.  Those who submitted recipes and were selected as the second and third prize winners also received prizes of a $300 and $100 gift card.Second Place Winner: Smiley Face Chili Selina Burke | Charleston, WV Third Place Winner: Homestead Venison Maple Medley Miriam Weber | Green Bank, WV All finalist recipes will soon be posted to First Lady Cathy Justice’s Facebook page. |
