Lawrence, Massachusetts

Chili Cook-Off
Hot - Hot - Hot! That’s what we all expect in the “good ole’ summertime,” but that usually means the weather and not necessarily the food! This weekend, we took in the 2nd Annual Hero’s Chili cook-off in Lawrence, Massachusetts. What more could you ask for on a beautiful Sunday, than a long row of tents, giving away cup samples of chili for our voting pleasure!

The riverfront park was turned into a festival put on by the local Rotary Club that started with a treat to a lineup of muscle cars both antique and modern in the parking lot. We were asked to vote on the best of show in several categories, and with the variety of shiny eye-candy it was tough for a guy to choose! How do you choose between a cherry-red 1958 Chevy Impala and an up-to-date yellow Lamborghini? Given a choice, we’d have driven away happily in most of the street machines, but unfortunately, none of them were the door prize!

After voting for our favorite rides, we ventured into the shady area under the trees to begin our chili sampling adventure. Fire departments from the neighboring towns and the local EMT’s had a stall of their own and dished out sampling of their preparations. This time the decision wasn’t nearly as tough, and after tasting dozens of different varieties of chili, from mild to scorching, we felt that the Reading Hot Chili Peppers chili, prepared by the Reading, Massachusetts fire department was hands-down the best. It seems like others agreed, because when the trophies were awarded, Reading was indeed on top! I’m guessing that they won’t share the recipe.

Click on picture below for more scenes from the event:

Chilli Cook Off