“By every measure, this was the most successful Chilifest yet,” said Benson Chiles, last year’s host. “How can you beat it . . . great weather, gracious hosts, fun neighbors, hot chili, cold beer, and a good cause. This is what community is all about.”


"This year we had excellent live music, thanks to Joe Niederberger and Brent Findon,” added Charlotte Magee.  “There's just no better way to get a party going.”

More than 25 residents competed in the chili cookoff, with Rich Colangelo taking the grand prize.  Judging was conducted by Mayor Peter Donoghue, local food expert Cindy Drastal, and last year’s winner Dan Thurman.  The people’s choice award went to Brian Pollock.  

 “I spent five days preparing the chili, including making my own stock from veal bones,” said contest winner, Rich Colangelo. “Nine different types of home grown hot peppers, beef, pork, lamb and caribou . . .some call it a labor of love, I would call it obsession.”

Local businesses sponsored Chilifest 2007 including: The Party Dolls, Intercounty Mortgage, Drycleaning Station, Page Chiropractic, The Flaky Tart, Britton Real Estate, Jaspan Hardware, Gianna’s Restaurant, 4th Quarter Sports Tavern
 
Gift certificates were also provided by local businesses, including:  Atlantic Wine & Spirits, Atlantic Bagels, Zios Restaurant, Serenity Salon & Spa, Atlantic Highlands Art Council (AHAC), Mary Kay (Karen Ilarraza)

Photos and photo credits  are available at the following links:
http://picasaweb.google.com/bensonchiles/Chilifest2007JudgingPhotosByPaulTakeuchi

http://picasaweb.google.com/bensonchiles/Chilifest2007ScenesPhotosByGedneyWebb

http://picasaweb.google.com/bensonchiles/ScenesFromAHChilifest2007PhotosByPaulTakeuchi

For more information about the pictures, including names of those pictured, feel free to contact Benson Chiles at 732-291-2163.

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