The Fourth Annual Chili Cook-off is over, and once again the island came through. The event netted $1,664.41 for the Holiday Giving tree. We couldn’t have done it without all of you who braved the weather to come out and taste the 10 great chili recipes. A big thanks to the 2015 teams: The Lower Tavern, Jim Passer; Island Skillet, Dave Yerly; Hot County Employees, Ron Gillelund; Orcas Food Co-Op, Ellen Wickham; Red Rabbit Farm, Christina and Bruce Orchid; Gil Becerra; Doe Bay Fire Station, Blythe Simpson; Orcas Island Lions. Sue Cline; Farm to Classroom, Jennifer Pietsch.

An even bigger thanks to all the volunteers who responded to a last minute call for help and came out to make it the great event it was. The many volunteers who acted as servers, the ticket sellers and all those that assisted with the setup and cleanup. A very special thanks to Island Hoppin’ Brewery for their continued support of the Orcas Island Lions who donated the profit from the beer garden to the event.

Now for the news you have all been waiting for, the winners were: first place, Gil Becerra; second place, Hot County Employees; third place, Orcas Food Co-Op.

Now it’s time to start planning for the Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off in 2016. Dust off those recipes and watch for our announcement in late August. We try to time the cook off for the last farmers market weekend in September. The event is limited to 10 teams.

Again, thank you Orcas Island for helping to ensure that no child goes without a gift during the holiday season.

Jennifer Pietsch, Jim Biddick