Chili cookoff proves huge success

The 5th Annual Buzzard’s Breath Chili Cook-Off brought visitors from all over to enjoy the festivities. Bud Radke of Scappoose, Oregon was visiting friends and family in Cathlamet for the weekend and had to stay for the food and fun.

“This is the best marina on the river,” he said, with a bowl of steaming chili in hand. “We love it in Cathlamet!”

There were 16 competitors in Saturday’s contest. From yacht clubs to banks to families, it seemed everyone wanted to be a part of the action.

Kathleen Cone stood with friends Don and Sheryl Reed all from the Hayden Island Yacht Club of Portland. This is one of the highlights of the annual cruise they make up river, they said.

For a $5 requested donation, attendees received a bowl and a spoon and after judging, were able to take part in sampling.

People’s choice winner was Renfro’s Chili, head cook, Beau Renfro. Judges choice winners were; first place, Flohr’s Hillbilly Chili, head cook, Sarah Flohr; second place, Possum Hollow Cookers, head cook, Ken Sunderman; third place, Lo-Ke Chili, head cook Alex Kamaunu.

“The winners received gift baskets filled with goodies donated by local merchants and eateries,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tanja Winebrenner. “This year’s event was very successful with a profit of 50 percent more than in the previous year!"