BIDDEFORD — Texas-style chili, chicken chili, hot dog chili and even venison and moose chili were just a few of the 19 styles of chili cooked up by entrants vying for the title of the best chili at the Chili Cook-off on Sunday at the American Legion hall, Post 26 on Elm Street in Biddeford.
Valerie Loan ”“ who admitted that she had only attempted chili making twice, including the batch she cooked up for the competition ”“ was the cook-off winner. But the real winners were veterans and their families, who will be able to continue gathering at the American Legion hall for get-togethers and fellowship.
The chili cook-off was the brainchild of Iraq War veteran Brad Watts and Vietnam Veteran Jake Mulligan, who are members of Post 26. It is the first of several fundraisers that are planned to keep the Biddeford hall open, after its members recently found that their resources have dwindled.
The cook-off was a success, said Watts, raising more than $1,000 from the competition and associated pledges. Watts said that amount will be enough to keep the hall open at least until the next fundraiser. An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast is being planned and will take place in the next few weeks, he said.
Several of the cook-off competitors were parents of veterans or had children currently serving in the military.
Sharon Mulligan, the wife of Jake Mulligan, has a son in the Marine Corps.
Nancy Kelly, the mother of Christopher Cash who died while serving his country, was making her first attempt at chili. Although she belongs to the American Legion in Old Orchard Beach, she said, “I wanted to come and support this American Legion post.”
Many of the entrants came because they wanted to help out.
“I came because my husband said it was for a good cause,” said Loan, the winner of the cook-off.
There are about 100 members of Post 26, said Jake Mulligan. About half are veterans of World War II.
An effort is underway, said Mulligan, to make the current members more active and to get new members, especially veterans who have recently served in the armed services.
“We want to preserve this post, to have a place for the vets to come and have camaraderie,” he said.
The Biddeford hall is smoke-free and no alcohol is served there, said Watts. He said it is a place where veterans are encouraged to bring their families. A number of children were at Sunday’s event.
In addition to providing a space for veterans and their families to get together, Watts said, the American Legion also offers veterans assistance in starting small businesses. Through the American Legion, veterans can gain access to the resources the federal government is making available to returning veterans to help them start their own business, he said.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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