Lindsey Glastetter, Patricia Meyer and Marie Geisler accepting their prizes for the top three chilis at the American Legion's 31st Annual cook-off event in Condon.
On Saturday, June 10, a modest hoard of hungry folks convened at the Swan Valley Community Center for the 31st annual Chili Cook-Off competition and fundraiser hosted by the local American Legion chapter 63.
Each year the competition names the best chili in the valley and hosts an auction to raise money for American Legion events throughout the year.
Lindsey Glastetter won first place with a Mexican infused chili with Chorizo and enchilada sauce. Her chili had the most distinctive pepper flavor of all the entries but she said she wanted to keep the spicy level down to fit the average palates of the attendees.
"Mexican food has so many spices but I didn't know how far to go so I tried to keep it mild," Glastetter said.
The first place winning, first time competitor beamed with her trophy and $150 in prize cash.
"I've been to the last few but never wanted to get up early and start cooking," Glastetter said. "This year I was up and said let's do this."
All of the chilies were mild in spice but after eating all nine varieties and pacing around the Swan Valley Community Center, the spice added up and one could begin to miss the rain and overcast skies that seemed lamentable all week.
Marie Geisler, who won second place with an Italian sausage and beef Chili, said her secret ingredient was "scorching the bottom."
"I walked away for a minute and asked my husband to stir it," Geisler laughed.
Third place was won by Patricia Meyer who took home some bragging rights and "a crisp new $50 bill."
After the tasting was finished, the American Legion members jumped in to convert the room from a buffet to an auction house, collapsing tables and setting out rows of folding chairs.
Auctioneer Rip Grubaugh presided over the room of rowdy townsfolk who joked and goaded each other about their bids and prizes.
All manner of fermented huckleberry was auctioned off. Wines, moonshines, vinegar, and hot sauce. As well a small collection of rustic furniture and a fun selection of bar memorabilia.
The day concluded with a 50/50 raffle drawing splitting $240 between the American Legion and one magnanimous raffle contestant who donated his winnings back to the Legion. This is the third year in-a-row that the winner has donated their winnings back into the fund, according to legion commander Edward Klassen, .
"We've gotten really lucky with that," Klassen said.
The American Legion Post 63 raised money for their general fund which they use for the Fourth of July parade, building use, and expenses for their many events and fundraisers.
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