A Delicious Event

At the 2024 Wahkiakum County Fair earlier this month, Judges Joe Long and Gene Strong had the enviable task of evaluating a variety of chilis. Capturing top place with it’s complex meaty flavors, variable texture, moderate heat, and subtle colors, was a chili crafted by Bryan Hokkanen. His aromatic 3-Meat Chili uses the best cuts of meats available on the market and involves a complicated process that begins the day before the chili is scheduled to be on the menu. A beautifully textured, dark and smooth, meaty chili by Robert Stowe, was this year’s Chili runner up. The Tri-Tip Chili offered moderate heat with a velvety mouth-feel. Cash prizes and rosette ribbons were awarded to the two winning entries, with both chilis being composed by Wahkiakum residents. The two hard-working judges are also local to our county. ”It’s a tough job judging chili, but, somebody’s gotta do it!”