Scents of sauteed onions, chili peppers, and finely ground meat drifted on the sultry summer breeze Saturday as 22 cooks vied for the title of Maryland State Chili Champion, and eligibility points for the Terlingua International Chili Championship in Texas.

The two-pronged event, which included a chili cook-off to raise money for The Wounded Warrior Project, which provides services and programs for 30,000 troops injured in recent conflicts; and a cigar fest, was held in the parking lot in front of Broadleaf Tobacco Co.

At one end, the tobacco company's Big Show was in full swing. The perfume of cigars drifted from the main tent as swarms of patrons lit up. And at the other, the cook-off was under way.

"This is different from other shows," said Christian Townsend, an Oliva Cigar representative from Harrisburg, Pa. "There's an energy because of the chili competition that I haven't seen before."

By day's end, Janie Bauer of Alexandria, Va. was declared Maryland State Chili Champion while Severna Park resident Tom Jenkins nailed fourth and earned enough points to qualify for Terlingua. Annapolitan Megan McGinn-Meals was fifth.

Between the two events, over $2,500 was raised for the Wounded Warrior Project and, based on its success, the Maryland State Chili Championship will team with Broadleaf Tobacco again next year at a larger location.

Cooks included seasoned competitors from Maryland, Pennsylvania (first place) Virginia, and New Jersey who compete regionally and nationally. Grand Master Dave Lorenz, a 15-time chili champion from Marlton, N.J., has competed throughout the United States and is two-time winner of the Mexican National Chili Championship.

Cooking under the banner of the Last Stand Chili Company and Q Crew from Annapolis was multiple winner John Iaquinta along with Kimberly Breton and Tom Jenkins.

Old pro Dick Deitos from Fairfax, Va. was enjoying "a great cigar" while tending his chili pot. Nearby, his daughter Melissa, 12, prepared her own entry for the Junior Chili Championship. Boston College freshman Samantha Sievering also cooked alongside her dad, Rick, a Rockville resident.

New society member Megan McGinn-Meals from Annapolis was entering her first state competition.

"I'm a newbie and I have the nerves to prove it," she said as she fiddled with the flame of her chili stove.

Ms. McGinn-Meals, whose only previous experience was entering unofficial cook-offs organized by friends, appreciated her husband Michael's calm support.

Kent Islanders Brian Sanford, Rob Sarmiento, Jake Edgin and Ryan Smoot handed out heaps of chili to delighted attendees.

Rob and Jake, transplanted Oklahomans, had competed in CASI cook-offs in their native state.

The cigar reps, though not in competition, indulged in their own brand of one-upmanship. Cigars from companies like Altadis, Camacho and Cao were packaged and presented with flair.

Mr. Townsend sang the praises of Oliva, a Nicuaraguan based family-owned business noted for its highly rated Series V cigars, while Christian Estevez of Brentwood, Prince George's County, touted cigars from Florida's Miami Cigar Co.

New Yorker Mark Weissen Berger, a representative for Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, enthusiastically embraced the dual event. "There's a lot of spice in the air from the chili and the cigars," he said. "It's the best of both worlds."

A dozen Broadleaf Tobacco customers from Annapolis, Arnold, Kent Island, Severna Park and Baltimore along with The Capital's Community News Editor Leslie Hunt volunteered for the tasty task of judging the 22 samples of chili entered by the cooks competing for a title.

The serendipitous pairing of Saturday's events occurred almost by accident. Severna Park native Jen Windsor, head of the Mason Dixon Pod of the Chili Appreciation Society International, was looking for a "hometown site" to hold the cook-off.

Because the society's events are free to the public with proceeds going to charity, she was also seeking a worthy cause when she met Broadleaf Tobacco Co. owner Seth Howard. A military veteran, Mr. Howard was planning to hold a cigar fest to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Both recognized the cross-promotional and charitable advantages of a two-pronged event. Mr. Howard became co-sponsor and site host for the chili championship with proceeds dedicated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Sharon Lee Tegler is a freelance writer living in Severna Park.