WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – It took place a little later in the year than usual, but this North Country Chili Cookoff was the biggest it has been in years.
At the Dulles State Office Building, a total of 25 teams representing various restaurants and organizations throughout the North Country duked it out for the title of chili champion.
That’s quite the increase from last year, which according to organizers had around 15 teams competing. It’s actually inching closer to pre-COVID numbers.
Speaking of COVID, one man we spoke with, Alex Peer, serving chili clad in Jedi robes from Star Wars, was competing for the first time since 2020.
“I love it,” said Peer. “I love coming here. I love doing the Chili cookoff. I can’t thank Jeremiah enough for reaching out to me and asking me to come back this year.”
“We make it with love,” said Ken Phillips of the Hall Pass Tavern team. “Besides that, we’ve got hamburger, pork, and sausage. It’s just a good time to make it.”
All of the money raised in the cookoff will benefit the Volunteer Transportation Center, mainly in the form of things like gas reimbursements and vehicle upkeep for volunteer drivers.
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