Chili cookoff held by Order of the Eastern Star

Eight chili recipes were served to the crowd at a chili cookoff held at Thistle Masonic Lodge #34 on Murray St. April 11. It was presented by the Order of the Eastern Star - Erie Chapter No. 19.

A chili cookoff returned to town this week all with a charitable twist.

The Order of the Eastern Star – Erie Chapter No. 19 out of Essex, which includes several members from Amherstburg, met at Thistle Masonic Lodge #34 on Murray St. in Amherstburg last Saturday night for the fourth annual event. Proceeds from this year’s chili cookoff goes to the charity Liver Organ Transplants.

Dave Cozens, one of the event organizers, said the reason they picked that cause is because a member has been impacted by that organization.

“He said it would be nice to support that so that’s what we did,” said Cozens.

There ended up being eight chili entries that were judged, ranging from chili that was mild to spicy with different meats from sausages to turkey. Cozens said the number of entries was what they usually get.

“The prizes for the best chili is they win ground beef so they can make more chili and come back again next year,” Cozens said with a laugh. He added they were grateful to the farmer who made the donation.

Tables full of door prizes were also there to be raffled off.

“All of the door prizes were donated by our members,” said Cozens.

The Order of the Eastern Star – Erie Chapter No. 19 thanked Thistle Masonic Lodge #34 for use of the hall and for running the bar. There were upwards of 75 people who purchased tickets for the April 11 event.

Chili cookoff held by Order of the Eastern Star

By Ron Giofu