Winterfest Food By Joe LoTemplio
Plattsburgh When kids are outside in winter, sledding, skating, playing tag or building snow forts, they usually build up a good appetite. The organizers of Winterfest at American Legion Post 1619 in West Plattsburgh have just the thing for them when they come in for a break and nourishment. “We got all the perfect stuff for winter foods,” Dave Mayette, Winterfest chairman, said. “We give them plenty.” ‘THEY WON’T BE HUNGRY’ Winterfest offers a one dollar menu of hot dogs, michigans, hamburgers, French fries, chili, soup and Goose’s famous clam chowder. Mayette said the idea is to keep it affordable for families. “You could feed a family of four for about $20,” he said. “And they won’t be hungry. LINES STAY LONG The Legion gets much of its food donated for the dollar menu and all the proceeds go towards helping veterans. The food is all prepped and cooked in the kitchen of Post 1619. “We have a whole bunch of volunteers that come in and we take different shifts and it goes all weekend,” Mayette said. “The lines are usually quite long all day.” In addition to the cheap eats, the Legion offers free hot chocolate, coffee and cotton candy. GOOSE’S CHOWDER
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But the biggest hit of the weekend is usually Goose’s famous clam chowder. Longtime Legion member Sterling “Goose” Sorrell came up with the tasty recipe and had been cooking it for Winterfest for years. Unfortunately, Goose passed away last year. But his son Jim will be making the trip north from Florida to carry on the tradition. “He wanted to keep it going so we are happy to have him come up for that,” Mayette said. “It all makes for just a great family weekend and if you’re going to have a great family weekend you’ve got to have great food, and we got plenty of it.” 27
