By Carol Walker
Unseasonably warm temperatures last Saturday sent people outdoors to get a little chili at the Third Annual Polar Bear Chili Cook-off sponsored by the Tin City Masons. By shortly after 2 p.m. the judges as well as the general public had all cast their votes, and the winners were announced.
The judges, Lorena Freis, Wade Greseth and Dennis Kraft, decided the Best of Show award should go to Ron Rossknecht’s Tabasco Chili. The award for the best green chili, as well as the best overall chili, voted on by the public, went to Team Ross, consisting of Tim, Angie, Skylar and Lillie Ross. Moni Matush took the prize for the best white chili and the Backwood Boys, Kade McVey and Shane Alexander, took top honors for red chili and for the best decorated booth.
People walked around in light jackets on Saturday getting a taste of unique chili from each of the booths that were set up in the parking lot between Twisted Pine/Dakota’s Best and Ricos. The Backwood Boys booth was decorated with a rustic log archway and an antique chain saw setting out in front. Their chili included elk burger as well as sausage. The green chili made by the Ross family was a hit with the general public. Russ Johnson had a Bahaman theme with giant shells and even a shark jaw decorating his booth. His Rumchada Chili with rum in it gave it a sweet flavor. Mike Price made camp chili in a Dutch oven, outdoors on his cook stove, while June Johnson and Heidi Ciluaga used turkey and vegetables to make a heart-healthy chili. The duo was dressed in doctor’s garb to go along with their theme. Ann Hamilton and Kathy Kock from Custer made chili and were at the cook-off promoting Custer’s Christmas for Kids event that has been held for 24 years to provide gifts for children. Dawn Matlock’s Hill City Cafe booth was all green and gold, honoring Hill City Schools.
Each one who entered the cook-off paid $10 for a booth, and tasters paid $5 each to try all of the chilis with all of the money going to the Masons to use in their programs that benefit children.
“We had a great turnout. There were about 200 people who came through the cook-off and we took in the most money yet for this event,” said Bob Stanfiel, chairman for the event.