By Kacie Svoboda
With temperatures remarkably in the 50s last Saturday, the fourth annual Polar Bear Chili Cook-off and the Tour de Chocolate brought in big crowds.
The chili cook-off, sponsored by Tin City Masonic Lodge #112, brought in 10 competitors, 13 chili recipes and approximately 100 paying tasters. “We had a really good turnout,” said lodge member Mike Price. “It’s been really great and the weather’s been exceptional.”
And according to Price, even more showed up to partake in the new s’mores station. “The s’mores station was Russ Johnson’s brainchild,” he explained. “I thought it was a big hit.” However, Price did say that though the s’mores were intended for the kids, he saw more adults at the station.
This year, the three chili categories were determined by the votes of the tasters. Organizers developed a creative way for tasters to vote for their favorites this year. All tasters were given colored markers corresponding to the three chili categories: a red bean for Best Red Chili, a white bean for Best White Chili and a green pea for Best Green Chili. Votes were cast by leaving these beans in mason jars in front of the competing chilis. Tasters were also given “coins” which were used to vote for the best-decorated booth.
After the contest was over, these markers were tallied and the winner in each category determined. In past years, entrants would have to send chili samples to off-site judges, which created logistical issues in keeping the chili warm and fresh. Price thought the new voting system worked well, but couldn’t say for certain if it would return next year.
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