A cool, cloudy Friday afternoon turned into the perfect setting for the 16th annual Cloverdale Chili Cook-off, a culinary showdown featuring stiff competition and plenty of sampling by hungry hordes.
Hundreds of free samples were offered to members of the public, who were also given ballots asking tasters to rate their first, second and third favourite chili recipes.
First prize went to Kelly Hudon and team for her Backstretch Bonanza chili. Hot off the Press! chili by the Cloverdale Reporter came in second, with third place awarded to Rockin Ronnies’ chili by Marketplace IGA in Cloverdale.
There were 12 entrants this year, down from last year, but included several new entrants such as Starbuck’s Cloverdale at BrickYard Station, which entered a coffee chili featuring real espresso, and Hamerin Hank’s Special Blend by The Henry Public House.
The crowd enjoyed tunes by the impressive local ensemble The Trailer Park Playboys, who entertained the masses while the votes were tallied.
The Cloverdale Chili Cook-off is presented by the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale BIA at Clover Square Village, along with participating merchants from the historic town centre.
