MANISTEE — Despite weather starting to take a turn for the worse on Saturday afternoon, people came out by the hundreds for the Manistee Downtown Development Authority’s annual Frostbite Chili Cookoff.
There were 11 different chilis for people to taste at as many different locations around downtown Manistee.
The idea for the event is get people out and about.
“The community and visitors that come downtown that day really enjoy it,” Rachel Brooks, chair of the DDA, previously told the News Advocate. “It’s a great day for the downtown because they shop, go to different stores and have dinner. It is really a full day for our community members and visitors.”
Chili was ranked by visitors on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. The winners — which receive bragging rights for the next year — were announced at North Channel Brewing Co.
First place went to Redeemed Furniture and Art Decor for its Saints and Sinners Chili. Second place went to Wahr Hardware for its Bombastic Yet Bold BBQ Chili, and the Ideal Kitchen won third place for its Bloody Mary Chili.
Ideal Kitchen, T.J.’s Pub, Moving Spirits and the DDA sponsored the event.
