The Volunteer Transportation Center marked its 25th anniversary of its Annual North Country Chili Cook-Off Saturday, Feb. 24, drawing hundreds to the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown.
The team from Watertown International Airport took home the People’s Choice Award and third place in the Amateur Category. The team also won the award for Most Unusual Recipe, which Chef Tony Bender said consisted of steak marinated for five days with his special secret seasoning.
The team from Children’s Home of Jefferson County team from Watertown, led by Chris Manning, took home first place in the Professional Category and they took home the Most Congenial award.
The team from Volunteer Transportation Center team from Watertown, led by Terra Thompson, took home first place in the Amateur Category and the Best Decorated award.
In the Professional Category, second place went to the Whistle Stop Tavern team from Deferiet, led by Aaron LaGasse.
In the Professional Category, the team from Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, led by Katrina Slate, took third place.
In the Amateur Category, second place went to the Sons of Sam Motorcycle Club from Oswego, led by Steven Price.
The team from Watertown International Airport took home the People’s Choice Award and third place in the Amateur Category. The team also won the award for Most Unusual Recipe, which Chef Tony Bender said consisted of steak marinated for five days with his special secret seasoning.
The Best Vegetarian award went to the team of Melissa and Chris Fitzgerald.
The Best Dressed award went to the North Country German-American Club team, led by Barbara Eddy.
North Country Chili Cook-Off Chairperson Amy McEathron presented a certificate of appreciation to WWNY’s Mel Busler, longtime emcee of the event, for his years of service. Ms. McEathron was herself presented with a certificate of appreciation for her longtime support and role with the event.
State Assemblyman Scott A. Gray presented a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of the North Country Chili Cook-Off.
VTC Founder Benjamin Coe, seen with his daughter, Margaret, was in attendance to sing the National Anthem, as has been a tradition since the inception of the North Country Chili Cook-Off.