— by Cara Russell —
Fog hung in the air, dew exposed spider webs, and we feasted our eyes on our autumn-colored surroundings as we walked the little gravel trail into town. The mission was to fill ourselves with eleven different kinds of chili and wash it all down with some good malt beer, while supporting the community by attending the Third Annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser on the Village Green.
On Saturday September 27, (the last outdoor Farmers Market of the year), from 11 am – 2 pm, Islanders paid $10 and sampled 11 different kinds of chili, then voted three times on their favorite. Some spread the love with their vote; others placed all their votes on one contestant.
Each sample was far different from the next. From ‘Road Kill’ (what appeared to be meat, meat, and more meat), to a vegetarian chili spiced with cocoa and cinnamon. Some were soupy while others were thick enough to leave your plastic spoon standing upright in the bowl. The ingredients were often a surprise, as one man discovered when he learned one of his selection’s main ingredients was kale.
The Winners:
- 1st Place, Team Gil $150.00
- 2nd Place, Christina Orchid from Red Rabbit Farm $125.00
- 3rd Place, Rollie Sauer & Tom Berg with ‘Road Kill Chili’ $75.00
The winning team’s name will be added to the winners’ plaque, which they get to retain for the next year. All entries paid an entry fee for the contest of $35, which were returned to the three top winners.
All proceeds from the chili tasting and voting will go towards buying gifts for the Island Market Giving Tree, to help see that no Orcas child goes without gifts under their Christmas tree this year. Sponsors for the fund-raiser were Orcas Family Connections, Orcas Kiwanis Club, Orcas Island Lions Club, Orcas Island Farmers Market, Island Market and Island Hoppin’ Brewery.
186 tickets were sold this year, unfortunately a decrease from last year. The event took in a total of $2,457.00, and after expenses were able to donate $2010.00 towards The Giving Tree. Team Gil also donated his winnings back, and it is not yet known if the other two winners will also donate their winnings as well.
Jim Biddick, of the Lions’ Club, and Jennifer Pietsch, Farmers Market Manager, thank the Orcas Lions and Island Hoppin’ and will be sending out a full letter soon.
Jim and Jen. Team Gil. Christina, we know. Home-town news can get a little too abbreviated. Don’t forget the outsiders!
Thanks for the great report on the Chili Cookoff Cara. I have correction. THIS SATURDAY OCTOBER 4TH IS THE LAST OUTDOOR FARMERS’ MARKET. Be sure to come on down and join your favorite farmers and crafters as they bring their bounty to you.
The Texas Road Kill Chili team, who had the only true chili in the competition (that is, no beans) had prior to the voting, pledged their winnings to the Island Market Children’s Tree. A fun day for all.
Rollie Saauer & Tom Burg (the Chef)
Way to go Rollie and Rom! Keep up the legends!!! Merry & Paul