News Release - Thousands Help Choose the Winners of the Chilly Chili Challenge

City of Rochester

News Release

(Monday, March 8, 2010) – Organizers of the Lakeside Winter Festival announced today that over 14,000 samples of chili were distributed by contestants at this year’s “Chilly Chili Challenge,” held Feb. 14 at the Port of Rochester Terminal.

“The challenge is always one of the most popular parts of the event, especially since we added the Polar Plunge 10 years ago,” said Joe Carrozzi, chairman of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee. “Nothing tastes better than a spicy cup of chili after a dip in the 30-something degree water. We would like to thank all the contestants who once again gave of their time to help make the Challenge a success.”

Cash prizes were awarded to winners selected by judges in both the professional and amateur divisions as well as the prestigious “People’s Choice” award chosen by the samplers.

Awardees included:

Professional Division
1st Place- PIER 45
2nd Place- Aramark, University of Rochester Dining Services

Amateur Division
1st Place -North Street Community Center Youth Council 2nd Place-Monroe 2 BOCES

People’s Choice
North Street Community Center Youth Council

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News Media: For more information, call James Farr at 428-6866.