My daughter and I used to go to the Wells Chili-fest together over the years when she was younger. We loved buying the tasting kit in the plastic baggie, filled with small plastic cups, a spoon, and that all-important voting ballot!
Izzy at the Wells Chili-fest, 2013
After trying all of the different versions of chili from the participants, we would vote for our favorite one. Often we would have to go back to re-try one or two that we were torn between before we could make a decision. These contenders produced top shelf chili and it was sometimes hard to narrow it down to what we considered to be the best one, but, of course, we always did–although we didn’t always vote for the same one!
And then a few years ago, she decided to enter the competition herself. This was so much fun! She came up with her own recipe that was as yet not officially named, other than “Izzy’s Chili”. She worked hard and learned a lot.
Izzy at the Wells Chili-fest, 2021
She tweaked her recipe and then entered again in the following year. We were thrilled for her when her chili won second place in her category!
Last year she didn’t compete. She spent the year working on her recipe and incorporating feedback from her tasters, as well as choosing a name for her chili. This year she will be back at the chili-fest with her fabulous “Izzy’s Breakfast Chili”!
We’re looking forward to seeing you all at the Wells Chili-fest this Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Wells Junior High School, 1470 Post Rd, Wells, Maine.
Come and vote for Izzy’s Breakfast Chili!
*Can’t wait to try Izzy’s Chili? You can buy some at Spillers Farm Store, 1054 Branch Road in Wells.
*Photo credit: Jeannine Spiller
Karen Creamer
