By the time I got back down to Magic Island the last pot of red had been turned in and many of the booths were starting to be torn down for the long ride or flight home. A new band was rockin' the stage and everyone was in great cheer - helped along by the traditional shots at each booth. Wendy can always be counted on for a delicious taste of something, this year it was Maple Crown Royal. (Last year it was a Caramilk liqueur, complete with a square of caramilk bar in the shot glass, yummm!).
Michael and Rick had spent part of the afternoon judging the red chili finalists, while Wendy and Andrew were given jobs as scorekeepers of the results. Here's a look at Michael's judging sheet. 2 out of 3 of his picks landed on the final table - so it would seem he knows what to look for in a pot of chili!
Then it was time for the awards and trophy's. Once again the Firemen and the Colorado Cowboy took 1st and 2nd in booths and showmanship. Next up was the final table for the red chili. Many people that we have met personally did well and were called up, included 3 members of the Lentz family (dad Larry and daughters Carrie and Lauren). Carrie actually claimed 2nd place! The winner of the $25,000 prize was Bob Plager.
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| The crowd waiting for the results to be announced |
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| The Red Chili Final Table |
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| The winners! |
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| The winner gets a pot for his table, along with his trophy & cheque |
We then headed back to the hotel for a party in the dining area. It's become a tradition that the winner of the Verde on Saturday always seems to come from a member of the crew that Rick and Wendy hang with, and for the last 3 years that winner has bought pizza for everyone. It was a great end to a really fun weekend. Michael and I had a very early flight out the next morning so only stayed until about 10pm and then headed upstairs to pack after saying our goodbyes. Not sure how late our roomies stayed out, but they slept through us leaving at 5am - except a hug from Andrew who was on the sofabed in the living room!
Thanks to US Airways all our flights were on time and we got back into Canada around 3pm yesterday where we drove straight to Shannon's for a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner with the family and some local friends. Turkey, all the trimmings and 3 different pies made for a sleepy drive home, but we made it!
All in all it was a great weekend, we had a blast. Can't wait to do it all over again next year in Palm Springs, California!! We will likely attempt a couple of try's at qualifying in some Eastern cookoffs throughout the year, but if not....there's always Last Chance in Palm Springs!
I'll be back to update the next time we head out on a Chili adventure. Thanks for checking in and following along with us this time! Here are a bunch of shots taken over the last few days.
