On Saturday, Sept. 28, it was a typical Orcas after the season weekend Market Day. No traffic to dodge, no streets loaded with tourists and a great day for a hot bowl of chili. Orcas Island you did it again. With flags of every shape, size and color waving in the breeze, the 2013 Chili Cook-off brought in $1,425 for this year’s Holiday Giving Tree. We want to give a big thanks to all the sponsors: Island Hoppin’ Brewery, Island Market, Kiwanis and Lions Club, Orcas Family Connections and the Orcas Island Farmers’ Market.

We also want to give a great big thanks to the participants for their spirit, dedication and perseverance. The year’s teams were: Islanders Bank – Barbara Ellenwood, Local Color – Ellen Wickam, Lions Club – Diane Witley, Kiwanis Club – Harriet Miller, Bison Beans/OIHM – Clark McAbee, West Beach Farm – Kathy Morris, The Lower Tavern – Jim Passer, Hot County Employees – Ron Gillelund, Island Skillet – Dave Yerly, Island Market – Bobbie, and The Foodie Medic –  Valerie Harris. And last but not least, a very special thanks to all of the people who came out to support the event and select an island winner, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Speaking of winners, this year they were: The Lions/Kiwanis Challenge – The Kiwanis Club will be receiving a spring picnic from the Lions Club. For the cook off, first place went to Island Skillet – Dave Yerly, second place went to The Foodie Medic – Valerie Harris and third place went to West Beach Farm – Kathy Morris.

We’ll do it again next year, so watch the Islands’ Sounder, Orcas Issues and the Chamber Blast for the announcement of entries. Next year it will be the 2014 Third Annual Orcas Island Chili Cook-off. We urge everyone to support the Holiday Tree .

Orcas Chili Cook off Team