Chili draws crowd

A good time was reported to be had by all at last Saturday’s Polar Bear Chili Cook-Off in Hill City.

The cook-off, sponsored by Tin City Masonic Lodge #112, was postponed two weeks due to cold weather on the date it was supposed to be held.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Ranae Schrier, who was serving up her red chili. “It’s a great community event.”

According to participant and member of Tin City Masonic Lodge Ron Rossknecht, 19 teams were out competing, which was down from the 26 that were predicted to come on the original date. Money raised by the event goes to sponsor programs put on by the Lodge, such as the Delta Dental Mobile program that visits the schools in Hill City ever year.

In spite of the fewer than predicted chili contestants, everyone seemed to be having a good time.

“Everyone comes and has a good time,” said Julie Wickware-Klein of Hill City. “It’s a great competition. We need more things like this.”

Rossknecht said things were going “excellent,” and he was happy with the crowds.

Rossknecht was at his elaborately decorated booth serving two types of chili.

“Things are going well,” he said. “Lots of people have been stopping at my booth.”

It was a great turnout, he said.

Hill City mayor Kathy Skorzewski, too, was happy with the turnout.

For the first time, city hall had a booth at the chili cook-off and was serving up two different chilis. They were also offering up a “City Hall Jeopardy” game.

“This is just a great event,” Skorzewski said.

For more coverage including pictures, pick up this week's edition of the Prevailer.