Chili cook-off at Half Century Centre remains popular

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The annual Leamington Half Century Centre Chili

Cook-off, held on Friday, March 4, attracted nine participants and various chili recipes were enjoyed by about 50 local diners.

Celebrity ladlers came from many walks of life and included Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, Chatham-Kent Leamington MP Dave Epp, Leamington Councillor Bill Dunn, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciacelli, OPP Constable Katherine Burt, Chartwell Leamington’s Nadia DiDomenico, Rosewood Erie Glen’s Melissa Loeppgy and Home Instead’s Stephanie Gill.

Judges Derrick Clark, John Hammond and Paul Tiessen had a tough job in naming first and second place chili.

SUN photos

Pots of steaming hot chili were provided by Cardinal Carter Secondary School, Chartwell, Home Instead, Knights ofColumbus, Leamington District Secondary School, Leamington Fire Department, Leamington Half Century Centre, Rosewood Erie Glen and Seacliff Manor.

Three esteemed judges — Councillors Paul Tiessen and John Hammond, and Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Clark — were sequestered in the back room and challenged with coming up with first and second place winners through a blind taste test.

Leamington residents Shirley and Bob Read were first in line to enjoy the various chili recipes as ladlers Hilda MacDonald and Dave Epp looked on.

Patrons in the dining area all got to vote for the People’s Choice as well.

When the chili powder settled, the Leamington Fire Department took first place honours, with LDSS in the runner-up position. People’s Choice among the 48 diners went to Knights of Columbus.